Exceeding its initial goal of 500 participants by 25%, the first Black Lion Tamarin Run demonstrated the potential of bringing together two important causes: biodiversity conservation and human well-being through sports, under the banner of IPÊ in Motion (IPÊ em Movimento).
“We are thrilled with the results. This event is particularly meaningful for IPÊ because this is where it all began. The people of western São Paulo embraced the idea and literally ran and walked alongside IPÊ to help us advance biodiversity conservation,” said Gabriela Rezende, coordinator of the Black Lion Tamarin Conservation Program.
Held in March 1st in the municipality of Teodoro Sampaio, the event brought together 539 runners and 94 walkers. The initiative was led by IPÊ’s Black Lion Tamarin Conservation Program and organized in partnership with TVCom Running (a local company specializing in organizing running events in the region).
A net total of R$15,160.15 (approximately US$2,700) was raised and will be directly invested in conservation actions led by the Black Lion Tamarin Conservation Program.
Positive impact for conservation
In addition to supporting research and environmental education initiatives, the event was designed to leave a lasting legacy for conservation. For each of the 633 participants, IPÊ committed to planting one native Atlantic Forest tree seedling. The planting took place in May during a course promoted by ESCAS (the IPE school) for the University of Colorado Boulder, allowing undergrad students to experience restoration practices while contributing to this outcome. This initiative contributed to expanding native forest cover in the Pontal do Paranapanema region while also helping offset the event’s carbon footprint.
By engaging hundreds of participants and channeling resources directly into conservation, the event highlighted how community involvement, healthy lifestyles, and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand to support the long-term future of the black lion tamarin and the Atlantic Forest.
The first Black Lion Tamarin Run was held with the support of the Municipality of Teodoro Sampaio and the sponsorship of several local businesses and partners, including ATVOS, Carvalho Restauração, Sicredi, Parquetur, Supermercado Triunfo, Academia Mfit, Clínica Equilíbrio, Auto Posto Mega Primos, Clínica Vital Safe, Clínica Vital Trânsito Leomix, Aruana Consultoria Ambiental, Drogaria FarMais, Laboratório Bioclínico, Materiais de Construção Braghin, Unimed Presidente Prudente, Prosa Bar & Pizzaria, Flávio Souza Corretor de Imóveis, Mico Leão Bar, Pouso da Garça Inn, Mundial Pneus, and Ki Passo Calçados.
