Trail running

The Trail Running (from english trail = path, path, in German referred to as forest run or landscape rotation) is a form of long- distance race, which takes place offroad.

Overview

The term Trail Running (English Trail Running) can be summarized off roads all forms of racing, from jogging in the park on a flat surface to Ultra runs over several stages over the Alps.

Running on trails is perceived as particularly natural. Rough surfaces and obstacles train in addition to physical endurance and coordination and concentration ability of the rotor. Since the entire body has to stabilize, more muscle groups than walking on the street are claimed.

Typical substrates of running routes are gravel, forest and meadow paths through forests or parks, single trails, stone and gravel paths in mountain terrain, jogging paths, Finn tracks or sand.

Similarities and differences to other forms of long- distance running

Closely related to the trail running is the cross-country running, which is also concern is to constantly move through profiled terrain with natural obstacles. However, Cross runs are completed usually on a specially marked out course 1-2 km, while for trail runs existing roads and paths are used. In addition Trail runs are usually conducted over longer distances than cross races, often with route lengths that are popular in the area of ​​road run ( half marathon, marathon, 100 km, etc.). In general, however Trail runs are different not officially measured road races, on the one hand because the terrain does not allow the use of a Jones counter, on the other hand, because the times achieved are far too slowly through the profile of the track and the soil in order for leaderboards to be used. A few road races, however, lead partly trails. Examples include the Ho Chi Minh Trail in the 100-km of Biel and the Egmond Half Marathon, which runs partly on a beach and dune paths.

The vast majority of mountain races run on gravel, lawns and gravel paths, and can therefore be regarded as a special form of trail run.

Similarities also exist with the outside of athletics settled orienteering, in which also the adaptation to constantly changing soil conditions play a major role. Unlike the orienteering However, the running distance is determined by markings on trail running competition, so that no excessive concentration is required in this respect by the subscriber.

Characterization and categorization

Cross - Running ( Urban Trail Running)

Perhaps the simplest and most common form of trail run takes place on gravel, meadow or forest soils without major obstacles. Many runners prefer to start directly from home and therefore often put some kilometers on asphalt before they then turn to their default round in the forest or city park. Often this type are run with varying substrate fun runs on scenic routes.

Cross -Trail ( Trail On )

With cross - Trail you walk exclusively offroad, often in difficult terrain with slope and gradients, without, however, departing from the existing roads and trails.

Trail Adventure ( Off Trail )

Adventure describes the most extreme, sporty sophisticated expression of the trail run. Many are looking for adventure in the alpine terrain or off-road. The surface (stone, gravel, rock ... ) requires maximum attention, and often have extreme upward and downward slopes and sometimes even natural obstacles ( trees, branches, streams ...) can be overcome.

Equipment

The necessary equipment for trail running depends very strongly on the difficulty of the terrain, the weather conditions and the duration of the run. Shoes for easy terrain (Urban Trail Running ) require only slightly more grip and stability than road running shoes. However, more difficult terrain makes greater demands. It is also a low center of gravity, the lowest possible weight, ruggedness and weather protection is considered important addition to a good profile and good stability often. The low center of gravity has a positive effect on the stability and the weight of the shoes affect the oxygen consumption of the rotor, 100 g on each foot increases the oxygen consumption by approximately one percent. The shoe should be adapted both to the running style of the rotor, as well as the site regarding damping and stiffness. In addition, the shoe has the foot against the ground, protect, such as sharp rocks.

The running apparel is breathable and lightweight. For longer trips, running backpacks are often taken with important luggage such as water, food, compass and map, headlamp, waterproof clothing, mobile phone, first aid kit and emergency blanket. The water is usually held either in a bottle in his hand, or by hydration system in a backpack, or carried in a hydration belt. In many events lasting more than a few of these pieces of equipment are required. In addition, use some runners lightweight trekking poles to support the leg muscles.

Shoes with low profile sole for better stability

Events

The most popular trail event in Germany is the GutsMuths Rennsteiglauf, held since 1973. It consists of a super marathon of 72.7 km, a marathon of 43.5 miles and a half marathon. The most challenging skiing in Austria is around 95 km and 6500 meters of the Pitztal Glacier Trail Maniak.

Since 2001, the German Ultra Marathon Association directed ( DUV) German Championships in Ultra Trail from (until 2011: German Championships in cross- country race and ). 2007 was called the World Trail Challenge launched by the International Association of Ultra Runners ( IAU).

One of the most demanding trail runs is the Ultra-Trail du Mont -Blanc ( UTMB ), which leads with a length of about 160 km, more than 9000 to be overcome height meters and a time limit of 46 hours around the Mont Blanc Massif world. Also in high alpine terrain leads the Transalpine-Run, a stage races, 260 miles and 15,000 vertical meters to cope with the two teams in eight days. The oldest trail running in the United States is the Dipsea Race, which - is since 1905 in Mill Valley, California, held - with interruptions.

There are now also running cups, include the series of trail runs, such as the Salomon Gore -Tex Trail Running Cup will be scored for the 13 events across Germany, or the Active Trail Running Cup with six runs in East Westphalia -Lippe.