Trail running has ‘exploded’
BETTER ALL-ROUND WORKOUT He says it is a rare connection with our natural environment.
With local and international races growing in popularity, elite athlete Ryan Sandes believes trail runners at all levels are making the right choice by spending more time away from the road.
Sandes made history in June by becoming the first South African runner to win the 161km Western States ultra-distance race in California.
As one of the most successful competitors on the Ultra Trail World Tour over the last few years, he felt the performances at the top end proved that trail running was the sport’s fastest growing discipline.
“I think what’s cool about trail running is that it’s definitely getting a lot more competitive and there are so many new guys just breaking out everywhere,” Sandes said after his Western States victory.
Though the fixtures list was somewhat limited when he started competing more than 10 years ago, Sandes said the calendar had since exploded, with the World Tour now consisting of 22 races including the 100km Ultra Trail Cape Town.
“It’s crazy how much the sport has grown, both locally and internationally,” he said.
“When I started out, there were only a few trail races around the country. Now there are races every weekend.”
With more and more amateur participants also turning to the trails, Sandes felt there were numerous benefits, with a softer surface being easier on the body while offering a better all-round workout.
The off-road discipline also provided a direct connection to nature, ending the monotony associated with running on the road.
“Running is one of the few escapes from the claustrophobia of modern-day life,” Sandes said.
“Running is simple yet very rewarding, and running on the trails allows us to have that rare connection with our natural environment that many of us have lost.
“Unlike other disciplines, it’s not at all about speed or time. It’s about getting out there, enjoying yourself and living in the moment.”