What is trail running? The earliest evidence of organized running is from around 3800 BC in Egypt. Cross country running started as long-distance running over open country not using roads or paths. In the early 19th century a form of cross country known as "paper chasing" or "hare and hounds" became popular. The sport increased in popularity during the 19th century. Since then cross country running has become more specialized and usually takes place over relatively short courses on grass fields and parks. In 1995 the British Athletic Federation approved a formal definition for trail running events. In essence this amounted to any race over footpaths and bridle paths which are marked on Ordinance Survey maps as public rights of way and are therefore highways to which the public have unrestricted access on foot. Other tracks and pathways from which motorized traffic is excluded can be considered as trails provided the landowner has given permission for access.
Trail running is a form of running that is gaining mainstream popularity. It is quite different to road or track running in terms of the skills and effort required. Trail runs take place on hiking trails, single track trails, and fire roads, through the bush and up and down mountains. Many people race or compete in sanctioned trail events to challenge themselves however trail running is also very appealing to those who do not want to compete and like to use running as an ‘escape’ from the city and day to day life. It can be very relaxing and rewarding. Many people delight in the solitude of nature when they are training on trails or competing in such races. The scope and appeal of trail running is very broad.
Trail running competitions start from 5-6km on fairly simple courses aimed at beginners and can be 10km, 20km, Half Marathon, Marathon, 50km, 50 miles and even up to 100 miles. Anything over Marathon distance is considered an Ultra-marathon (“ultra”) and these require huge amounts of training. For example, the Western States Endurance Run in California requires runners to not only run 100 miles but to climb 5500 m and descend 7000 m on mountain trails before reaching the finish. It takes a very unique and highly trained individual to succeed at such events.
Obviously you need a great aerobic fitness base to do trail running however the “fittest” runner is not always the best on the trails. This kind of running is so stimulating because you need navigational skills, good balance, good strength, the ability to run up and down hills and you even need to carry and manage your own food and hydration for the longer races.
posted by Izzy
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