Running Out of Time to COP27: Record-breaking relay through 18 countries kicks off in Glasgow

A record-breaking relay to pass a baton 7,767km through 18 countries to spread a climate message kicked off on Friday.

Taking 38 days and nights, Running Out of Time to COP27 will be the longest non-stop relay ever attempted – starting in Glasgow, and ending all the way in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

Carried by runners, cyclists and sailors, the baton will journey on a route through Scotland, Wales, England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Greece, Cyprus, Israel and Egypt.

Set to arrive at Sharm el-Sheikh on November 5, the baton will be just in time for COP27, or the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

The relay kicked off at Glasgow on Friday. Hamish Frost

Runners will carry the baton in 5-10km stages of the route, crossing seas, mountain ranges, glaciers, and deserts, villages, towns and capital cities.

It will visit hundreds of schools, at-risk locations and climate change projects to “inspire and champion” local climate action – including 27 in the UK alone.

The baton contains a climate message to world leaders attending the conference, which reads: “We are Running Out of Time.

“Quality climate education is critical if we are to equip people of all ages and in all places with the knowledge and skills necessary to build a future in which all can thrive.”

Groups launched the relay at Sunnyside Primary School. Hamish Frost

It calls for young people worldwide to be “recognised as leaders” and placed at the forefront of the conversation surrounding the environment.

The message continues: “We are calling on the world’s leaders to provide us with the skills and training to build a sustainable world.

“Our world is warming and to keep the increase to 1.5 degrees we need forward thinking, consistent policies and funding to help us reach Net Zero Emissions.

“We are committed to help build a future that is inclusive and sustainable for all. Show by your actions, not just words, that you are too.

“Help us get there!”

A host of Primary seven pupils were read the message before it was sealed into the baton. Hamish Frost

“Our aim is to deliver a powerful message to the decision makers at COP27 with so much support that it is impossible to ignore if we’re to have a hope of securing a transition to a safe climate future,” said Running Out of Time co-founder Jamie Hay.

“Running Out of Time symbolises the very essence of climate action – it’s an extraordinary, bold, ambitious plan that will only succeed because everyone has worked together. I know we can do it.”

Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken said: “COP26 shone a light on just how dire the situation facing our planet is and that collective and accelerated action is the only option to save humanity from a global catastrophe.”

She said that while nation states made pledges, it was up to cities like Glasgow to deliver on a “low carbon and climate resilient” future.

Aitken added: “Participating in the Running Out of Time relay to COP27 is another opportunity for Glaswegians to have their voices heard and to show their continued commitment to fighting climate change.”