Trail Running
Trail running is a tough and rewarding challenge. Venturing off the beaten path, crossing hills and valleys, it pushes your body in ways that regular running doesn’t. The varied terrain engages a wide range of muscle groups, strengthening the body as a whole. As you navigate uneven ground, fallen trees, streams, loose rocks, and sand, your coordination and reaction times are constantly tested. It’s an exhilarating experience that demands both focus and endurance.
The best regions
What is special about trail running?
What exactly does the term trail running mean? Trail“ comes from the English and means „path“ or „track“. The term can be used to describe all forms of running off the beaten track, from jogging on narrow forest paths to ultra-running in the Alps. In short, trail running begins where the road ends.
Running on trails is perceived as particularly close to nature and challenges the whole body. Rough ground and obstacles train not only physical endurance but also strength endurance, coordination and concentration. And because the whole body has to be stabilised, more muscle groups are used than when running on the street.
The ground and obstacles train not only physical endurance but also strength, coordination and concentration.
The surface changes from soft paths, natural and root paths to meadows and grassy fields. You run through streambeds or along hiking trails. Sometimes you follow well-trodden paths, sometimes you go cross-country.
Trail running is not about kilometres and times, but rather about the experience, the adventure and the challenge. The basic rule is: the journey is the destination!
We had the opportunity to grab an interview with ultrarunner Timothy Olson: Here, he tells us about his incredible feat of running the ...
Trail running for beginners
Trail running is a sport that anyone can do. However, you should have a certain basic level of fitness. It is important that you slowly get used to the new strain so that your body can adjust to the terrain. This is because the muscles of the feet, legs and upper body are put under a lot of strain when trail running.
Beginners should choose easy trails and watch where they step. If you reach your limits, reduce your speed – especially in the beginning, you don't necessarily have to jog up the mountain.
You can find more challenging tours, tested by professional athletes, here.
You want to gain your first experience of trail running? Then these tours are the right ones for you: Technically not particularly demanding and manageable distances are the perfect choice for ...
What equipment do you need for trail running?
In contrast to classic jogging, you need a little more equipment for trail running. The basis is, of course, special trail running shoes, suitable clothing and food. Depending on the chosen route, further equipment is recommended:
- Trail running shoes
- If necessary, light running backpack (approx. 5 to 10 litres) with rain cover
- If necessary, special running socks
- Clothing adapted to the weather in a multi-layer principle
- possibly trail running shoes
- if applicable compression strümpfe
- Rain and Sun protection
- Supplies and drinking water
- First aid kit
- Pocket knife
- Mobile phone
Trail running with the features of Outdooractive
Of course, the features of Outdooractive will help you before and during your trail run: the route planner is perfect for planning the tour, the maps with the different layers provide you with perfect information about the region - and BuddyBeacon also ensures safety.
Offers and discounts from our partners
Enjoy exclusive offers from our partners
As a Pro and Pro+ member not only do you have access to additional features and the best maps at your disposal, but you can also benefit from exclusive offers from our partners, ensuring you are always fully equipped for the outdoors!
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