Trail running

Kilian Jornet, during his winning run at the 2008 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc
The Backbone Trail, Santa Monica Mountains, southern California

Trail running is a type of running that takes place on outdoor trails, often in mountainous terrain, and often includes significant ascents and descents. Trail running is overseen by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and includes longer races.[1][2]

It is similar to both mountain and fell running (also known as hill running). Unlike road running and track running, it generally takes place on outdoor trails, often in mountainous terrain, and often includes significant ascents and descents.[1] It is difficult to definitively distinguish trail running from cross country running. In general, however, cross country running is a discipline governned by World Athletics, which is typically raced over shorter distances, while trail running is overseen by ITRA and includes longer races.

The number of organized trail races grew by 1,000% from 2008 to 2018, from 160 to more than 1,800 globally.[3] Runners often cite less impact stress compared to road running, as well as the landscape and non-urban environment, as primary reasons for preferring trail running.[4] This move to nature is also reflected in a large increase in competitors in non-traditional/off-road triathlons and adventure racing in the 2010s.[5]

  1. ^ a b "ITRA Discover Trail Running". Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  2. ^ "Trail Running". worldathletics.org. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  3. ^ Finn, Adharanand (2 April 2018). "When 26.2 miles just isn't enough – the phenomenal rise of the ultramarathon". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 13 May 2019. Retrieved 13 May 2019.
  4. ^ Jhung, Lisa (14 June 2013). "Why Trail Running Is Good for You". runnersworld.com. Archived from the original on 17 May 2017. Retrieved 27 June 2017.
  5. ^ "Outdoor Participation Report 2013" (PDF). Outdoor Foundation. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.