In the running community, there's a saying: If a marathon is the starting point for runners, then trail running is their ultimate destination.

Transitioning from road running to trail running might seem like just a change of scenery—from flat roads to rugged trails. However, trail running requires higher running skills and physical condition.Facing a complex and variable environment, beginners often worry excessively about twisting their ankles on uneven surfaces or becoming overly tense, leading to stiff limbs and knees, which can cause injuries. Therefore, if you want to start trail running, you first need to understand it.

Differences between marathons and trail running

1. Distance and route

Marathons are divided into full and half marathons, with fixed distances of 42.195 km for a full marathon and 21.0975 km for a half marathon. Most start and finish at the same point, though some have different start and finish locations. Trail races vary by category: under 50 km, 50 km, 100 km, 168 km, 330 km, and even longer distances.

2. Course

Marathons are generally held in cities with flat, paved roads, featuring city landmarks and buildings along the way. There are markers at regular intervals, so getting lost is rare (except for wrong turns). Trail races take place in mountainous areas with undulating terrain, where elevation changes are measured in kilometers. The scenery is mostly natural, occasionally passing through villages. Participants must navigate rocky paths, stone roads, leaf-covered trails, slippery boardwalks, and single-log bridges, sometimes even wading through water or climbing steep slopes.

3. Weather factors

Marathons are rarely canceled due to weather. Trail race participants are fully immersed in nature, and the course can change significantly with the weather. In extreme conditions, the organizers may cancel the race or alter the course to ensure participants' safety.

4. Region

Marathons and trail races are held in various regions, each with potential impacts on the body. For example, high-altitude areas require caution against altitude sickness, low-latitude humid areas necessitate heat and electrolyte balance precautions, and cold regions require hypothermia and frostbite prevention. Due to the longer duration of trail races, participants are more susceptible to natural factors. Preparation for the specific region is crucial, and self-rescue skills are essential in case of emergencies while awaiting rescue.

5. Supplies

Marathon participants don't need to carry their own water and food, as aid stations along the course provide sufficient supplies. In contrast, trail race organizers require participants to carry a certain amount of food and water. Although both types of races have aid stations offering water, sports drinks, and electrolyte-rich fruits or supplements, trail race supplies are generally more abundant. In 100 km races, participants can leave their preferred food at designated points, reducing the weight they need to carry and allowing for personal replenishment.

6. Equipment

For a marathon, a pair of running shoes and a set of sportswear are usually sufficient. Some even run barefoot. Trail running, however, requires more than just a pair of shoes. For safety and better performance, additional gear is necessary.

What equipment is needed for trail running?

Trail running shoes:Marathon shoes focus on comfort and foot support for long distances, while trail running shoes emphasize foot protection and grip. They have stiffer surrounds and deeper treads, with designs varying based on different terrains.

Hydration pack:An essential for trail running. It carries water, food, and necessary clothing and mandatory race gear.

Trekking poles:Unlike hiking poles, trail running poles are lightweight and foldable for easy carrying. They are not essential but can save energy if used correctly during a race.

Headlamp:For night races. Some races start at night, some last for dozens of hours covering both day and night, and some go through low-visibility forests. In such conditions, especially with fog, a headlamp is indispensable.

Insulating and windproof layers:This mainly refers to thermal base layers and outer windproof and waterproof jackets. Outdoor weather can change rapidly, with sudden temperature drops, strong winds, and icy trails. Without adequate warm clothing, hypothermia becomes a real threat. Organizers mandate carrying appropriate clothing based on local climate conditions, and participants can bring additional gear as needed.

Therefore, compared to marathons, trail running is more challenging. It's not just about longer distances and more winding paths. Perhaps it's this difficulty that makes many consider trail running the ultimate running experience. Immersing in nature and enjoying its pure beauty is an unparalleled pleasure.

If a marathon lets you get to know a city, then trail running allows you to truly experience nature. Trail running lets you appreciate nature's beauty and feel its power. If a marathon helps participants surpass themselves, then trail running helps you continually enrich and understand yourself. If a marathon is a documentary, recording every step of the 42.195 km journey, then trail running is a story, filled with encounters and events, each race having its own memorable tale.

A flash sale of top running shoe brand Salomon will start at 11 AM on June 5th! The iconic red marathon shoes will be discounted by 500 yuan! More great racing gear awaits! Click ↓ the image to go directly to the sale.

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