Trail running is among the best ways to get a good workout, while being out in nature. Many trails tend to be quieter and less populated than paved routes around the neighbourhood, and allow runners to get away from the noise and chaos of daily life. In the opinion of Steven Rindner, much like running safely on the road, there are certain rules and etiquette one must follow to have a good run on a trail.
Steven Rindner Highlights a Few Trail Running Etiquettes One Must Follow
Trail running can be an exciting and exhilarating experience. However, much like any other good thing in life, it also comes with responsibility. Trail runners would be responsible for respecting the trails and other users. Practicing the important trail etiquette help keep the trails open for everyone to use. Here are a few trail running etiquette one must follow:
- Yield to uphill runners and hikers: One of the most common trail etiquettesays that the runners and hikers moving uphill have the right-of-way. Running uphill limits one’s vision. Runners are likely to look more at their feet or the trail than up toward the top of the incline. On the other hand, while running downhill, runners can have a more panoramic view of the trail and what lies ahead. Hence, people heading up may not see a runner if they are coming down, especially at speed.
- Leave no trace: “Leave no trace” is a pretty common refrain for backpackers and trail runners. It basically means that they must not leave any trace of their presence when they go outside, whether they are running in a neighbourhood park or in the backcountry. “Leave no trace” means that runners must pack out whatever they pack in. This includes food wrappers and food scraps, even banana peels and apple cores. It also means that the runners must not take anything from the area, like flowers or rocks. The leave no trace principle helps make sure that outdoor recreation spaces remain wild, and are well preserved for future generations.
- Stay on the trail: Trail runners must stay on the trail, and do not dodge the mud. Mud is just another part of trail running. Hence, in case a runner encounters a muddy spot on the trail, they should run through it instead of around it. Trail runners must not be afraid to go through the mud puddles and should always avoid stepping around them, as by doing so, they may create new trails. Trails through the wilderness are necessary for trail running and hiking, but they should not be any wider than they have to be. If too many runners step off the trail in the same spot to get around a mud puddle, it would crush grasses and other vegetation and begin to widen that section. As a result, over time, a well-kept section of single track may turn into a scar of dirt and mud rather than remaining natural.
As per Steven Rindner, respecting wildlife is also important to trail running. As a runner goes particularly deep into the mountains or woods, they essentially enter the natural habitats of animals. In case one spots a wild animal on their run, they must avoid it and try to back away slowly.