Who Gets to Be a Trail Runner?

In 2023, our organization examined the underrepresented experience in trail running. For us, the freedom to run means more than access. It means moving through spaces confidently, and with a sense of safety and belonging. Our findings were clear: Despite the trail running community's momentum and growth, a participation gap remains among BIPOC runners, shaping who shows up on the trails and who feels reflected in the sport’s culture and future. 

This work led us to ask: What can the industry do to help more runners see themselves as part of the trail running community? From that question, we created “Freedom to Run: Back Outside.”

We designed an Intro to Trail Running program.

With support from Superfeet and key partners, including Altra, GU, Smartwool, and Hydrapak, and guidance from experienced trail runners, we set out to help the industry get back to basics by launching a case study to test how intentional support can bring runners into trail running and keep them engaged. From those insights, we developed actionable steps that brands, retailers, race events, and run clubs can replicate.

Within 10 days of announcing “Freedom to Run: Back Outside” on our social channels, nearly 275 applicants expressed interest. From this group, 14 runners new to trail running were selected to receive six months of coaching, gear, community support, nutrition guidance, and a race entry as they prepared for their first trail race.

To understand the full impact, we invite you to explore the complete case study.

Throughout the program, we identified what beginner trail runners truly need to feel at home on the trails: reliable gear, a sense of safety, an authentic community, and practical education for navigating outdoor spaces. We also witnessed profound personal transformations. Our program graduates kept running on the trails, launched trail groups, pursued careers in the running industry, rediscovered themselves through seasons of grief, and achieved wellness goals that once felt out of reach.

From these insights, we developed an additional resource, an industry toolkit.

Recognizing the central role of education in expanding access to trail running, we also developed a comprehensive toolkit with Altra. “Opening the Path to Trail Running,” authored by Allison Torres Burtka and informed by the history of trail running alongside insights from trail runners, race directors, and run club leaders, provides even more practical guidance for runners and those working to bring more people into the sport.

The path forward is always through action.

For new and aspiring trail runners: Explore these resources and the stories of runners who recently started their trail journeys. Invite a friend to join you on the trails. Attend a community-led run or trail event. Take your first steps into trail running with support and community.

For brands, retailers, event organizers, and run clubs: Review these two resources with your teams and ambassadors. Identify barriers facing new and experienced trail runners within your policies, marketing, retail experiences, and programming. Commit to implementing at least one measurable change this year that expands access and strengthens belonging on the trails.

For everyone: Download these resources today! Share them widely. Put them into practice.

Building on industry research and lived experience, we’ve turned insight into action. The information is no longer the barrier. The future of trail running will be shaped by what we do with it.