Goodgym Islington were invited along a lunch time plogging session with DaznBone (Darren Strachan and David Bone), the race directors of the Camino Ultra London 50km (a race that 20 Goodgym runners are currently signed up for). 5 of us (including new starter Laura- welcome!) met up just outside the Here East site off the Olympic Park, Stratford to join Paula from Hackney Council (and a keen ultra runner herself!) with clearing up the River Lee Navigation. Team 1 (David and Paula) set off into the Wick Woodland (a gorgeous green corridor running parallel to Hackney Marshes), armed with bags and litter pickers to gather plastic and rubbish scattered from the roadside nearby. Team 2 (led by Area Activator Simon) made their way to a connecting bridge near where the event village for the Hackney Half would typically be (in different times), and we scoured the area for discarded beer cans and bottles left by Bank Holiday day trippers.

Within just over an hour, our crew had picked up over 12 full bags of rubbish between us. Sadly, there was much more to gather, and many more hands would be needed to clear it completely, but we were proud to do our bit! All being well, we will return to do more next month. Our team made our way back to Hackney Wick, and enjoyed some greatly appreciated late brunch and drinks from The Breakfast Club, making the most of a few hours of bright sunshine and warmth between various rainfalls. Well done everyone!