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Trail Running
There are as many variations of trail running as there are runners. Many individuals prefer running trails for daily training and exercise, while other trail runners spend weeks out in the backcountry. There is a growing number of people participating in solo backcountry trail running trips, which are a sort of ultralight backpacking. While an ordinary backpacking expedition may last for eight days, averaging eight to ten miles per day, with participants carrying fifty to sixty pound backpacks, backcountry trail runner will do the same trip in three to four days, covering much greater distances each day, and carrying only minimal equipment. This type of backpacking is rare, as it is very difficult and dangerous, but it is growing in popularity. Trail running is growing in popularity and is enjoyed throughout the world. As of 2006, there are over 6.7 million regular trail runners in the United States, and over 40 million worldwide. It has a particularly heavy following in the Mountain States, the Western US, and California. In the United Kingdom, the British Athletic Federation authorised this definition in 1995:
Some trail races take place in less isolated areas, and routes can include public parks or canal towpaths. (Source: Wikipedia)
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Trail running is a variant on running that differs markedly from road running and track running. Trail running generally takes place on hiking trails, most commonly single track trails, although fire roads are not uncommon. A distinguishing characteristic of the trails is that they are often inaccessible by road except at the trail heads. The trails tend to traverse varying terrain; hills, mountains, deserts, forests, and narrow passages are common. Likewise, steep inclines or rough terrain sometimes may require hiking or scrambling. Runners participating in trail runs must often descend these same steep grades. It is not atypical for trail runs to ascend and descend thousands of feet.