JICA Volunteer Introduces Plogging to Promote Clean Streets

Orange Walk will see a unique twist on the traditional road race tomorrow as part of September celebrations, organised by JICA volunteer Ayako Suginaka, who has been in Belize for two years. The event includes a regular 10K run and 3K plogging race.

Plogging is a sport that originated in Sweden and is growing internationally. The name comes from the Swedish words plocka upp (pick up) and “jogging.” Participants jog while picking up litter along their route, combining fitness with environmental cleanup.

Suginaka said the event was personally meaningful: “Well, ever since I came here… I have been into running, but at the same time, I wanted to do something good for the environment or to reduce waste. Since I’m teaching about environmental issues and garbage-ready problems at the schools, I came up with the idea of having the first project event in Orange Walk Town.”

The response from local schools exceeded expectations. “I visited all the primary schools to introduce this event to the student I used to teach last year, and I handed this invitation kit to all the students. Our target number of participant was 50, but it turned out that we already have 100 participants who registered in advance.”

Registration is free, and the event starts at 5:30 am.