About The Blue Mile
When we first launched the Blue Mile in 2009, London 2012 was a few years away and the country was buzzing about the opportunities for UK sport. Paul Deighton, London 2012 CEO came to Plymouth and launched Blue Mile 1.0 – we were full of excitement. The event was the brainchild of a number of Athletes that wanted to do something for our Blue environment. Some of these ocean guardians where also preparing for the Games in London 2012.
In 2011, WWF UK took stewardship of the event and Ecover, the ecological cleaning company stepped in and became our title sponsor. Our ambition was to create an event that would inspire thousands of people to race for the environment. Momentum grew and by 2014 we had launched over 60 fundraising events around the UK and with Ecover’s support trained over 150 teachers to be able to confidently teach their classes on the beach.
What was missing, was the mainstream media support and business commitment to change. David Attenborough’s Blue Planet effect in 2017 changed everything. The narrative changed, we were now fast approaching irreversible tipping points for the climate and our oceans.
So here we are, taking the plunge again and I hope you will join us in Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City on June 10th 2023 for THE BLUE MILE 2023