Road running is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road . This differs from track and field on a regular track and cross country running over natural terrain.
33-495: International Trail Running Association ( ITRA ) is the governing body for trail running . It was formed in 2013, emerging from the 1st International Trail Running Conference held in 2012. Trail running was first recognised by the International Association of Athletics Federations (now World Athletics ) in 2015 as a discipline of athletics . ITRA has, among other things, developed a points system for ranking
66-606: A distance of greater than 26.2 miles (42.16 km) though 50 km races are generally the closest race distance above a marathon, and are widely thought of as the shortest ultramarathon distance among the trail running community. Races of similar distances often differ significantly in terms of terrain. This makes it difficult to compare performance across different courses. This is in contrast to times over standard distances in road running , such as 10 km or marathon . The International Triathlon Union conducts an annual Cross triathlon Championship race annually. Additionally,
99-487: A headlight, and running on the side of the road opposite traffic. Although running can seem like a very cheap activity that anyone can partake in, there are some expenses. Replacing running shoes every 400–500 miles (650–800 km) costs money. Also, road race entry fees can be expensive because they have to cover the costs incurred by the race organizer. The entry fee for some big city marathons can be 150 to 300 dollars. The international governing body for road racing
132-897: A permitting process, safety, and environmental concerns. There are many popular races such as the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in Europe or the Western States Endurance Run in the United States that have been forced to limit entries due to overwhelming demand. These actions can include yielding to uphill traffic, staying on established trails, passing on the left (United States), staying single file, and yielding to fast runners. Some notable trail races include: A growing number of people are participating in solo backcountry trail running trips, carrying an ultralight form of backpacking to allow faster speeds than with
165-489: A single stage, where competitors are timed over the entire duration of their run, including stops at aid stations. However, trail running stage races also exist. These multiday -stage races usually offer complete support and runner amenities between stages. There are, however, stage races that provide no support apart from water and medical aid, and require competitors to carry all their equipment (food, sleeping bag, change of clothes, compass). The best-known example of such races
198-459: A traditional backpack . Running while backpacking has been termed " fastpacking ". These trips can be both difficult and dangerous, depending on length, weather, and terrain. Mountain and fell running (also called hill running, particularly in Scotland ) are sports that combine running and racing off-road over the upland country, where the gradient climbed is a significant component. Fell
231-497: Is World Athletics (formerly IAAF). World Athletics aims to set the standards for competitions by ensuring that all participants are drug-free and that all equipment used is legal. World Athletics measures each race course to give it an World Athletics certification rating. Once a race course is certified, the course can be counted for different records or rankings. National governing bodies which are affiliated to World Athletics are responsible for road races held in their country. Of
264-693: Is 7.1 miles (11.4 km); the Manchester Road Race in Manchester, Connecticut is 4.75 miles (7.64 km); " City to Surf " in Sydney , Australia is 14 kilometres (8.7 mi); Honolulu's " Great Aloha Run " is 8.15 miles (13.12 km); the " King Island Imperial 20" is 32 kilometres (20 mi) long; and the " Charleston Distance Run " in Charleston, West Virginia is 15 miles (24 km). Most road running events are open to
297-471: Is a dialect word from the northwest of England where it is popular–especially in the Lake District . Fell races require mountain navigation skills and participants carry survival equipment. Unlike trail running, the routes of fell races are often unmarked so that competitors frequently are able to choose their own route to a checkpoint. The only difference between mountain running and trail running
330-462: Is a discipline governned by World Athletics , which is typically raced over shorter distances, while trail running is overseen by ITRA and includes longer races. The number of organized trail races grew by 1,000% from 2008 to 2018, from 160 to more than 1,800 globally. Runners often cite less impact stress compared to road running, as well as the landscape and non-urban environment, as primary reasons for preferring trail running. This move to nature
363-701: Is also recognized. Of these, the 5K, 10K, 25K, 30K, half marathon, marathon, and 100K are distances that are recognized for world records. Some major events have unique distances. The Fifth Avenue Mile in New York City , United States is 1.0 mile (1.6 km); the "Round the Bays" run in Auckland , New Zealand is 8.4 kilometres (5.2 mi); the Falmouth Road Race in Falmouth, Massachusetts
SECTION 10
#1732787385197396-785: Is also reflected in a large increase in competitors in non-traditional/off-road triathlons and adventure racing in the 2010s. When comparing a trail-running shoe to a road-running shoe, trail-running shoes are built for more rugged terrain. They have noticeably thicker outsoles allowing for better traction on the trails and stiffer midsoles for support on uneven and rocky surfaces. Other features like added heel and toe protection and waterproof technologies are also found in trail shoes. Trail-running gear can vary depending on specific trail and weather conditions but can include wicking garments, water bottles, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, gaiters, insect repellent spray, headlamps, headphones , and ivy block. Some trail runners attach lightweight crampons to
429-585: Is also run in Germany, Italy and Puerto Rico. Similarly, Race for Life holds races throughout the UK to raise money for Cancer Research UK . First person "race reports" frequently appear on the Dead Runners Society electronic mailing list . Dublin , Ireland 's Women's Mini-Marathon is said to be the largest all-female event of its kind in the world. For many, competing in a local road race can be
462-581: Is overseen by the International Trail Running Association ( ITRA ) and includes longer races. It is similar to both mountain and fell running (also known as hill running). Unlike road running and track running , it generally takes place on outdoor trails , often in mountainous terrain, and often includes significant ascents and descents. It is difficult to definitively distinguish trail running from cross country running . In general, however, cross country running
495-494: Is that a mountain running course sometimes includes paving. It is different from fell running because (1) courses are clearly marked and avoid dangerous sections; and (2) while mountain running takes place mainly off-road , if there is significant elevation gain on the route, surfaced roads may be used. Road running These events are usually classified as long-distance according to athletics terminology, with races typically ranging from 5 kilometers to 42.2 kilometers in
528-560: Is that for long periods of time, a runner will continuously be landing on a harder surface, which can lead to various overuse injuries. In any given year, on average 65–80 percent of runners experience some type of injury. In order to decrease the risk of becoming injured from impact on the road, runners can change their shoes every 300–400 miles (500–650 km). This is important because high mileage shoes have poor shock absorption and worn down treads which can cause pain. One danger in road running, as opposed to running in any other location,
561-417: Is that vehicles drive by regularly at high speeds. In a study by the company Road ID, it was found that on average 122,000 runners are hit by vehicles and end up in hospital each year. This figure does not include runners who are hit but do not end up in hospital. Runners can take precautions to decrease this risk, including: wearing reflective gear, wearing bright colors, running only during daylight, wearing
594-462: Is the Marathon des Sables , which was first held in 1986. As with hiking and other activities that share trails in often sensitive wilderness environments, trail runners should comply with common leave no trace practices and other trail etiquette (aka Trail ethics ). While trail etiquette and customs vary by country, season and outdoor (recreational) area, the common purpose of trail etiquette
627-422: Is to preserve the wilderness environment while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all trail users (including people, animals, and sometimes motorized vehicles). Compared to road races, there are often fewer participants as the number of entries is often limited. There can be a few reasons for this: narrowness of trails , national parks (where the courses are often set) may limit the number of participants via
660-535: The XTERRA Triathlon is a private off-road series that concludes with a championship each year in Maui. Aid stations are physical checkpoints commonly located every 5 to 10 kilometers along the course. Ultramarathon aid stations are often stocked with foods that provide runners with quickly digestible sugars that can provide a needed boost as their glycogen levels begin to drop. Most trail races only have
693-447: The marathon . They may involve large numbers of runners or wheelchair entrants. The four most common World Athletics recognized distances for road running events are 5K runs , 10K runs , half marathons and marathons. Running on the road is an alternative surface to running on a trail, track, or treadmill. For many people looking to participate in running as an activity or sport, there are multiple opportunities that can be found on
SECTION 20
#1732787385197726-827: The United States, the American Trail Running Association was only founded in 1996 to represent trail races in the US. In the United Kingdom, the Trail Running Association was formed in 1991. The International Trail Running Association (ITRA) was founded in 2013, and was first recognized by the IAAF in 2015. Distances in races vary widely, from 5 km, to over 100 miles (161 km). Many trail races are of ultramarathon (ultra) distance. Ultras are generally accepted as having
759-569: The bottom of their shoes to aid with traction in the snow and on ice. Ultra-light hiking poles or trekking poles can be used to increase speed and stability. An alternative way to carry water is to use a hydration bladder with a drinking tube carried in a backpack , waist pack, or hydration pack . Carrying the Ten Essentials may reduce the hazards inherent in wilderness travel . Trail running races are organized globally and vary in distance, terrain, and vertical climb. For example, in
792-592: The difficulty of specific trail routes and tracking the performance of runners across races. ITRA is currently headed by Janet Ng, a co-founder of the Hong Kong Trail Running Association. This article about a sports-related organization is a stub . You can help Misplaced Pages by expanding it . Trail running Trail running is a type of running that takes place on outdoor trails , often in mountainous terrain, and often includes significant ascents and descents. Trail running
825-410: The distance. In order to record times for participants in road races, the race organiser typically pays a timing company to take times electronically, using a technology called radio-frequency identification (RFID). RFID technology is placed in either a disposable race bib, a shoe chip that is tied to shoelaces, or an ankle bracelet. RFID timing mats are then placed at the finish line of the race; when
858-477: The general public. Participants are of varying running ability. It is not unusual for large events to have thousands of participants. Men and women compete side by side, and professional runners run in the same events as the average runner. In more prestigious races this is less likely to happen as there will be separate heats for men and women and for professional and non-professional athletes. In certain athletic events, first time amateurs are welcome to participate in
891-451: The motivation needed for individuals to pursue physical activity. In a study done by the bureau for labor statistics, road running ranked third in the most common form of sport and exercise activity for Americans. Running on the roads has a different effect on the muscles in the human body opposed to running on the treadmill. Treadmills are made to assist running form due to the way the belt pushes your legs back enhancing movement. Running on
924-463: The road through various conditions such as hills will do more to strengthen glutes, hamstrings, quads, and smaller muscles in the legs. Additionally, running on the road can help improve bone density as your body breaks down from impact and then regenerates itself. As with any type of running, there is a risk of natural wear and tear on the human body due to the different movements required to run. The difference with road running compared to other forms
957-831: The road. Road running is one of several forms of road racing, which also includes road bicycle racing and motor vehicle road racing . Race courses are usually held on the streets of major cities and towns but can be on any road. World Athletics recognizes eleven common distances for road races that are eligible to be counted for records if they meet the eligibility criteria: 1 mile (1,609.3 m), 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) , 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) , 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) , 10 miles (16.1 km) , 20 kilometres (12.4 mi) , half marathon (21.098 km or 13.1 mi), 25 kilometres (15.5 mi), 30 kilometres (19 mi), 35 kilometres (21.7 mi), marathon (42.195 km or 26.2 mi), 50 kilometres (31.1 mi), and 100 kilometres (62.1 mi) . The 24-hour run
990-417: The runner crosses the line their time will be automatically recorded. This technology has developed over time to be the most efficient form of recording multiple athlete times. Road running is recognizable for its diverse features. Anyone is welcome to participate in road running whether it be for recreational activity or for the purpose of competition. Running is an activity that attracts people from all over
1023-662: The same event as members of running clubs and even current world-class champions. This wide availability makes road racing extremely popular, and millions of people worldwide run thousands of races each year. In the U.S., 18.1 million people registered for recreational road races in 2018. While world record-holders can maintain paces of 4–5 minutes per mile (2.5 – 3 minutes per km), non-professional runners average around 10 min/mile (6 min/km). The majority of registrants run for personal reasons such as achievement and fitness rather than to compete, and many race courses accommodate this by staying open long enough for participants to jog or walk
International Trail Running Association - Misplaced Pages Continue
1056-600: The thousands of road races held each year, 238 races, including some premier ones, are members of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). Many race organizers (or the running clubs which conduct the races) are members of the Road Runners Club of America . In addition, the USA Track & Field plays a role in selecting representatives for certain international competitions under
1089-490: The world and for any age. For example, many road racing events recognize finishers in an age group system which acts as a way to reward younger or older athletes who may not be able to compete with runners in a prime age. Road races are often community-wide events that highlight or raise money for an issue or project. In the US, Susan G. Komen 's Race for the Cure is held nationwide to raise breast cancer awareness. This race
#196803