Introduction to Trail Running: Backcountry

Introduction to Trail Running: Backcountry is designed to introduce participants to trail running in more remote wilderness locations. The curriculum focuses on how to travel as a runner in the backcountry safely, and the knowledge and resources you'll need. This course is ideal for outdoor recreation enthusiasts with an interest in trail running and runners who wish to take their trail running to the next level. It's recommended that you are in shape to comfortably run 6 miles on hilly trails (hiking uphill is OK) in order to have a successful experience during the field trips.  

This course's badge is required for participation in backcountry trail running trips with the Mountaineers. (Frontcountry trail runs are open to everyone.)

Course Format

The course consists of the following components:

• A virtual lecture of approximately 2 hours - required
• 1 outdoor session of approximately 1 1/2 hours - required 
• 2 field trips from the list of field trips offered - required  
  **(Only sign up for 2 field trips  until all students have gotten a chance. At that time we will allow additional runs if wanted)**

Graduation Requirements 

These are requirements for graduation that must be completed in addition to the course's own activities.

• Participation in one Mountaineers backcountry trail run (in addition to the 2 course field trips)
• Participation in Stewardship badge for taking part in a trail maintenance (or similar) activity
• Wilderness First Aid or another equivalent training  
• Navigation badge or "staying oriented on trails" training or other navigation training
• Low Impact Recreation skill badge (earn this through a free online self-paced training with the Mountaineers)