Trail running is a relatively new sport in Australia, which has been gaining popularity since the late 2000s. Now several events are organised across the country to cater to the growing demand.
The concept of trail running is not new – the myth for the marathon dates back to 490BC, when a Greek soldier ran between the town of Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a victory over the Persians. Essentially, that soldier would have been trail running.
These days, trail running is a popular activity enjoyed by many. It has become a way for joggers and runners to leave the urban environments, which have been the traditional home for running since the eighties, in favour of exploring more natural environments.
Who is a typical trail runner?
There is no archetypal trail runner. They are all ages, all abilities and from all different backgrounds in life. As with walking, the barrier to entry for trail running is quite low – usually just access to a pair of running shoes, a bottle of water and a trail to follow. Trail runners like to use the same trails as walkers enjoying a weekend outing, with no special needs in terms of trail construction. You’ll see trail runners out at the same places walkers like to frequent, more often hearing them before you see them. I’m always more than happy to step aside on a trail to let a runner through, and there is usually a friendly exchange with a hello or a smile.
Unlike hiking, there can be a competition aspect to trail running with the organised events, and this is where the sport gets a lot of its publicity. Not all trail runners compete in events, and not all events are there for competition. Most runners like to participate for fun, join in the community aspect the events offer, or use an event as a good excuse for a holiday with friends to the various towns and trails that host them. There are runners that love the competitive nature of the sport, pushing themselves longer and faster, but this is similar to ultralight hikers who strive to do the same.
As someone who loves to hike and trail run, both activities provide something different, and I find unique enjoyment in each activity. The joy of running downhill and feeling your momentum speed you along, going for longer and faster runs, or being time limited and wanting to experience a trail is why I trail run. Contrast that with hiking, where I am looking to slow down, savour my time in nature, and stop to look at the excellent flora we have in Western Australia, and it shows that the same trail can have multiple different uses for someone travelling by foot.
If you see a trail runner on your walks, give them a wave and a smile, because chances are they are out there for the same reason you are, just going a bit faster.
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