Sustainable Sports: The Rise of Trail Running

,

In recent years, the allure of trail running has captivated a growing number of enthusiasts worldwide.

As more people seek eco-friendly, sustainable sports that allow them to immerse themselves in nature, trail running has emerged as a leading option.

The sport not only offers an exhilarating way to stay fit but also fosters a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship among its participants.

The Growth of Trail Running

Trail running has seen a significant surge in popularity, with the number of participants increasing annually. According to recent statistics, the global trail running community has expanded by over 10% each year for the past decade.

UTMB Crowds Demonstrate the Growth of Trail Running (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
UTMB crowds demonstrate the growth of trail running (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons).

This growth is due to a variety of reasons, but for your average neighborhood trail runner, this growth is largely driven by individuals looking to escape the urban hustle and reconnect with the natural world.

In fact, the results from an Ultrasignup email survey that asked what are the primary reasons you run trails showed this:

By far, the two most popular reasons people trail run are “Fitness” and “Time in nature.” The other options included Fun, Time with Friends, Time Alone, Stress Relief, Participate in Races, and Other. (Ultrasignup email survey.)

The opportunity to traverse diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rugged mountains, makes trail running an appealing choice for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Away from those crowds, trail running provides adventure in nature.
Away from those crowds, trail running provides adventure in nature.

Nature and Environmental Stewardship in Trail Runners

One of the most compelling aspects of trail running is the direct connection runners have with nature.

Spending time on trails allows runners to witness the beauty and fragility of the environment firsthand.

This experience often translates into a heightened sense of environmental stewardship in their everyday lives.

Many trail runners become advocates for conservation efforts, understanding the importance of preserving the natural spaces they cherish.

From professional athlete commercial endeavors like Kilian Jornet’s NNormal line of shoes designed to improve recycled shoes to reduce shoe waste, nonprofit awareness campaign’s like Jared Campbell’s Running up for Air, or organizations to support environmental stewardship like Runner’s for Public Lands, the trail running community continues to work hard to spread awareness and improve environmental causes.

A Low Carbon Footprint Sport

Trail running boasts a relatively low carbon footprint compared to many other sports.

Unlike activities that require extensive infrastructure or energy-intensive facilities, trail running primarily relies on natural trails.

The minimalistic nature of the sport—requiring only a pair of shoes and appropriate attire—further reduces its environmental impact.

Trail Running

  • At a minimum, trail runners need shoes, which some estimates have calculated an average of around 14 kg of CO2e per pair.
  • Shoes usually last somewhere around 300-500 miles, and at 3 pairs per year, that can be 42 kg CO2e per year.

Mountain Biking

  • As an example, Trek has done a great job trying to analyze their carbon footprint and has calculated an averages estimate of 174 kg CO2e per bike.
  • If cyclist are putting in 3-5k miles per year, and need to replace tires somewhere every 500-1000 miles, you may be looking at 3 replacements per year. One estimate calculated 4.53 kg CO2e per tire. Thus, yearly CO2e from tires is somewhere around 27-45 kg.

Rock Climbing

  • One study found roped climbing leads to an average of 48 kg CO2e per year.
  • Bouldering, on the other hand, requires less gear and was estimated at around 32 kg of CO2e per year.

Beyond the sport-unique elements, each athlete can start tacking on extra products like watches, hydration vests and bottles, trekking poles, helmets, etc.

The more gear you buy, the more impact you will have.

And the more you fly or drive to remote trailheads, the more your travel’s CO2 calculations enter the mix.

But ultimately, the simplicity of most outdoor sports, and trail running in particular, resonates with eco-conscious individuals looking to engage in sustainable sports and is relatively low.

Though, one reason comparisons make outdoor sports CO2e appear paltry when compared to more traditional team sports like soccer/football is due to spectators.

The sport of trail running, for example, is growing, and crowds at UTMB (image above) show spectatorship is growing, but it’s nowhere near these mega-leagues and it’s hard to imagine how spectatorship could evergrow that large for a sport that covers 100 miles in rugged terrain!

Nevertheless, stadiums and crowds exist in sport, and one calculation estimated the 2018 Russian World Cup alone was responsible for 2.16 million tons of CO2.

Now, the individual level for recreational athletes is difficult to estimate, but some studies have calculated estimates of around 1,006 kg CO2e per year for individual sports and 514 kg CO2e per year for team sports.

Trail Work and Community Involvement

The trail running community is known for its active participation in trail maintenance and conservation efforts.

Many runners volunteer their time to repair and maintain trails, ensuring that these natural paths remain accessible and sustainable for future generations.

Trail work culture improves the sustainability of trail running.
A culture of trail work improves the sustainability of trail running.

Trail work days are common, where runners come together to clear debris, prevent erosion, and build sustainable trail features.

This collective effort not only preserves the trails but also strengthens the sense of community among runners.

Environmental Challenges of Trail Running

Despite its eco-friendly image, trail running is not without its environmental challenges.

Travel to remote trailheads can contribute to carbon emissions, especially when participants drive long distances or fly to destination races.

The rapid turnover of running shoes, often replaced every few hundred miles, leads to significant waste.

This is especially true for the ultra trail runners out there!

Traditional running shoes are typically made from synthetic materials that are not biodegradable, adding to landfill pollution.

Apart from material waste, the increasing popularity of trail running can put stress on heavily used trails.

Overuse can lead to erosion, damage to vegetation, and disruption of wildlife habitats.

It is essential for the trail running community to balance the enjoyment of the sport with responsible usage and conservation practices.

Improving Sustainability of Trail Running Further

To mitigate these challenges, trail runners and organizers are adopting more sustainable practices.

Many trail races have adopted a “cupless” policy to reduce waste.

Instead of providing disposable cups at aid stations, participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers.

This simple change significantly decreases the amount of trash generated during events, aligning with the broader goals of sustainability within the trail running community.

Carpooling, using public transportation, and selecting local trails can reduce travel-related carbon emissions.

Additionally, the rise of eco-friendly running gear made from recycled materials offers a promising solution to shoe waste.

Brands are increasingly responding to the demand for sustainable options, creating products that align with the values of environmentally conscious runners.

In conclusion, trail running exemplifies the synergy between sport and nature, promoting a lifestyle that values and protects the environment.

As the sport continues to grow, it is crucial for the community to maintain its commitment to sustainability.

By embracing eco-friendly practices and fostering a culture of conservation, trail runners can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the trails while minimizing their environmental impact.

Privacy Policy