Trail running is a variant on running that differs markedly from road running and track running. Trail running generally takes place on hiking trails, most commonly single track trails, although fire roads are not uncommon. A distinguishing characteristic of the trails is that they are often inaccessible by road except at the trail heads. The trails tend to traverse varying terrain; hills, mountains, deserts, forests, and narrow passages are common. Likewise, steep inclines or rough terrain sometimes may require hiking or scrambling. Runners participating in trail runs must often descend these same steep grades. It is not unusual for trail runs to ascend and descend thousands of feet.
There are as many variations of trail running as there are runners. Many individuals prefer running trails for daily training and exercise, while other trail runners spend weeks out in the backcountry. There is a growing number of people participating in solo backcountry trail running trips, which are a sort of ultra light backpacking. While an ordinary backpacking expedition may last for eight days, averaging eight to ten miles per day, with participants carrying fifty to sixty pound backpacks, backcountry trail runner will do the same trip in three to four days, covering much greater distances each day, and carrying only minimal equipment. This type of backpacking is rare, as it is very difficult and dangerous, but it is growing in popularity.
Source: Wikipedia
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Lakes Off Road Festival 3,4 March 2012
Various Off Road events at Pine Lake Marina. The Saturday includes mountain bike, canoe and swim races as well as a night trail run of 10km. Sunday includes the ultra triathlons and sprint off road triathlons. For the young ones there is a development triathlon and junior dash.
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FEEDBACK
CAPESTORM Roodeplaat Ramble - 29 January 2012
After the typical late afternoon Highveld rains on Saturday, the veld was fresh and clean and the skies clear on Sunday morning before the start of the Roodeplaat Ramble. The conditions were perfect and the venue awesome as 600 trail runners arrived to register for what promised to be a great morning out on the trails. The lawn and decks of the Blades Hotel were filled with runners having their early morning coffee, socializing and nervously checking out the long floating bridge awaiting them at the finish.
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TRAIL RUNNING
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