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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 the IAAF, 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]
When comparing a trail-running shoe to a road-running shoe, trail-running shoes are built for more rugged terrain. They have noticeably thicker outsoles allowing for better traction on the trails and stiffer midsoles for support on uneven and rocky surfaces. Other features like added heel and toe protection and waterproof technologies are also found in trail shoes.[6][7]
Trail-running gear can vary depending on specific trail and weather conditions but can include wicking garments, water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, gaiters, insect repellent spray, headlamps, headphones, and ivy block. Some trail runners attach lightweight crampons to the bottom of their shoes to aid with traction in the snow and on ice. Ultra-light hiking poles or trekking poles can be used to increase speed and stability.
An alternative way to carry water is to use a hydration bladder with a drinking tube carried in a backpack, waist pack,[8]orhydration pack.[9] Carrying the Ten Essentials may reduce the hazards inherent in wilderness travel.
Trail running races are organized globally and vary in distance, terrain, and vertical climb.[10] For example, in the United States, the American Trail Running Association was only founded in 1996 to represent trail races in the US.[11] In the United Kingdom, the Trail Running Association was formed in 1991. The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) was founded in 2013,[12] and was first recognized by the IAAF in 2015.
Distances in races vary widely, from 5 km, to over 100 miles (161 km). Many trail races are of ultramarathon (ultra) distance. Ultras are generally accepted as having a distance of greater than 26.2 miles (42.16 km) though 50 km races are generally the closest race distance above a marathon, and are widely thought of as the shortest ultramarathon distance among the trail running community. Races of similar distances often differ significantly in terms of terrain. This makes it difficult to compare performance across different courses. This is in contrast to times over standard distances in road running, such as 10 km or marathon.
The International Triathlon Union conducts an annual Cross triathlon Championship race annually. Additionally, the XTERRA Triathlon is a private off-road series that concludes with a championship each year in Maui.
Aid stations are physical checkpoints commonly located every 5 to 10 kilometers along the course. Ultramarathon aid stations are often stocked with foods that provide runners with quickly digestible sugars that can provide a needed boost as their glycogen levels begin to drop.[13] Most trail races only have a single stage, where competitors are timed over the entire duration of their run, including stops at aid stations. However, trail running stage races also exist. These multiday-stage races usually offer complete support and runner amenities between stages. There are, however, stage races that provide no support apart from water and medical aid, and require competitors to carry all their equipment (food, sleeping bag, change of clothes, compass). The best-known example of such races is the Marathon des Sables, which was first held in 1986.
As with hiking and other activities that share trails in often sensitive wilderness environments, trail runners should comply with common leave no trace practices and other trail etiquette (aka Trail ethics). While trail etiquette and customs vary by country, season and outdoor (recreational) area, the common purpose of trail etiquette is to preserve the wilderness environment while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all trail users (including people, animals, and sometimes motorized vehicles).
Compared to road races, there are often fewer participants as the number of entries is often limited. There can be a few reasons for this: narrowness of trails, national parks (where the courses are often set) may limit the number of participants via a permitting process, safety, and environmental concerns. There are many popular races such as the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in Europe or the Western States Endurance Run in the United States that have been forced to limit entries due to overwhelming demand. [14]
These actions can include yielding to uphill traffic, staying on established trails, passing on the left (United States), staying single file, and yielding to fast runners. [14]
Some notable trail races include:
A growing number of people are participating in solo backcountry trail running trips, carrying an ultralight form of backpacking to allow faster speeds than with a traditional backpack.[16][17] Running while backpacking has been termed "fastpacking". These trips can be both difficult and dangerous, depending on length, weather, and terrain.
Mountain and fell running (also called hill running, particularly in Scotland)[18] are sports that combine running and racing off-road over the upland country, where the gradient climbed is a significant component. Fell is a dialect word from the northwest of England where it is popular–especially in the Lake District. Fell races require mountain navigation skills and participants carry survival equipment.[19] Unlike trail running, the routes of fell races are often unmarked so that competitors frequently are able to choose their own route to a checkpoint.[20]
The only difference between mountain running and trail running is that a mountain running course sometimes includes paving. It is different from fell running because (1) courses are clearly marked and avoid dangerous sections;[21] and (2) while mountain running takes place mainly off-road, if there is significant elevation gain on the route, surfaced roads may be used.[19]
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