Enjoy Nature to the Fullest! Explaining the Fun of Trail Running
Revision History: September 10, 2024 - Changed "Conclusion"
What is the fun of trail running that allows you to enjoy nature to the fullest?
A writer who has participated in over a dozen races explains.
What is trail running?
The meaning of "trail" is
"a beaten path (such as in the wilderness)."
Trail running is a type of long-distance running in athletics, a sport conducted in various types of terrain (sandy ground, dirt paths, forest roads, narrow forest trails where only one person can pass, snowy paths, etc.) and environments (mountains, forests, plains, deserts, etc.).
In other words, it can be called a sport of running on unpaved paths such as mountain trails.
Hereinafter, trail running will be referred to as "trail run".
The fun of trail running
The fun of trail running that I feel consists of the following three points:
- Being able to taste the beauty of nature
- Being able to feel the exhilaration of running in the mountains
- The cheers of local people become encouragement
Being able to taste the beauty of nature
In trail running races, courses are set in mountains, along lakeshores, and by the seaside. Therefore, in the mountains, you can run along trails while sunlight filters through the trees. Of course, you can also encounter superb views overlooking mountains and the sea from the summit, allowing you to taste the beauty of nature that you cannot feel in daily life.
Being able to feel the exhilaration of running in the mountains
On the mountain courses set for trail running races, you can run comfortably even in summer due to the shade created by the trees. You can also run on soft ground where fallen leaves have piled up, which puts less strain on your legs and lower back, allowing you to run pleasantly. On the other hand, on asphalt in the summer, there are many places exposed to direct sunlight, and the heat reflected from the road surface is considerable. Also, because asphalt is hard, it puts a strain on your legs and lower back. In trail running, you can continue running comfortably.
The cheers of local people become encouragement
There are races hosted by local governments as part of regional town revitalization for trail running. People of all ages, including children and the elderly who are local residents, call out to us from the side of the course. Some elderly people sit in strollers and cheer for every participant from the first to the last. You can be moved by the way the local people do their best to liven things up. Those cheers lead to encouragement for each and every participant.
I will introduce races where you can enjoy the fun of trail running
I will introduce three races where you can experience the joy of trail running.
IZU TRAIL Journey (Shizuoka Prefecture)
NINJA TRAIL RUN (Mie Prefecture)
Ise-Shima National Park Trail Run Race in Minami-Ise Town (Mie Prefecture)
IZU TRAIL Journey (Shizuoka Prefecture)
This is a trail running race where you can see a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji as you run up the mountain.
The event takes place in an area spanning Mishima City, Matsuzaki Town, Nishi-Izu Town, Kawazu Town, Numazu City, and Izu City in Shizuoka Prefecture.
I participated in the 28km race. The 28km course is the best of both worlds, allowing you to see the magnificent view of Mt. Fuji.
I think it might feel like a high hurdle for beginners. It is a good idea to practice a little before participating.
NINJA TRAIL RUN (Mie Prefecture)
This is a race where you can feel the joy of nature and the exhilaration of running through the mountains.
This event is held in Iga City, the home of the ninja. Many people participate in the race wearing ninja costumes.
It is held around November 3rd every year. Since they recruit for practice sessions on their website before the race, an environment is in place that makes it easy for beginners to participate with peace of mind. Beginners should aim to participate in the 22km short course.
On the course for this short race, there is a place that feels close to the world of Ghibli, with moss growing on the rocks. Personally, I think it is a race where you can feel the joy of nature and the exhilaration of running through the mountains.
Ise-Shima National Park Trail Run Race in Minami-Ise Town (Mie Prefecture)
This is a race that gives a strong impression of being held by the community as a whole.
In the villages that connect the mountains, many local people cheer you on. Elderly people cheer from the side of the course. As I was running, there were cheers even from places where I thought, 'From there?!' It was children calling out 'Good luck!' from a field one level up on a stone wall beside the course.
Also, there were people who brought desks out in front of their homes to provide drinks and other items.
It is wonderful that so many people are involved in various ways to make this race exciting.
The distance is only 18km. It is a recommended race for beginners to enter as their first event.
It is a race where the heartwarming cheers of the local people are encouraging.
Conclusion
I hope the fun of trail running has been conveyed and that it makes you think, 'Maybe I'll try running a little? Maybe I'll start?'
Next time, I will explain how to prepare for trail running while introducing the Okumikawa Trail Running race that I plan to participate in this October.