Trail Running Course
Introduction to Trail Running: Backcountry
Learn how to get started with wilderness trail running. Go farther and faster in the backcountry safely.
- Info
- COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers course.
Contacts
- Thu, Jul 7, 2022 - Thu, Jul 6, 2023
- Committee: Foothills Trail Running Committee
- Members: $90.00 Guests: $100.00
- Availability: 16 (20 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
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)
Badges you will earn:
Backcountry Trail Running Course
Trail Running Fundamentals
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom session | |||
| Online Classroom |
Thu, Jul 7, 2022
Registration closes Jun 30
|
16
participants
2 instructors
|
|
| Cougar Mountain: Harvey Manning Trailhead |
Thu, Jul 14, 2022
Registration closes Jun 30
|
17
participants
2 instructors
|
|
| Intro to Trail Running: Backcountry Field Trip (optional) | |||
| Cedar Butte (Olallie State Park) |
Mon, Jul 18, 2022
Registration closes Jul 16
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Dirty Harry's Balcony |
Tue, Jul 19, 2022
Registration closes Jul 17
|
4
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Middle Fork Snoqualmie River |
Sat, Jul 23, 2022
Registration closes Jul 21
|
4
participants
|
|
| Otter Falls & Lipsy Lake |
Sun, Jul 24, 2022
Registration opens Jul 7; Instructor registration open now
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Granite Lakes |
Tue, Jul 26, 2022
Registration closes Jul 24
|
5
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Annette Lake |
Wed, Jul 27, 2022
Registration closes Jul 25
|
6
participants
|
|
| Wallace Falls |
Wed, Aug 3, 2022
Registration closes Aug 1
|
5
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Olallie Lake |
Thu, Aug 11, 2022
Registration closes Aug 9
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Fragrance Lake Loop |
Sat, Aug 13, 2022
Registration closes Aug 11
|
5
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Snoquera Falls Loop |
Sun, Aug 14, 2022
Registration closes Aug 12
|
6
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Mirror Lake |
Thu, Sep 8, 2022
Registration opens Jul 1; Instructor registration open now
|
5
participants
1 instructor
|
|
Additional badges needed to graduate
Completed
Basic Navigation Course
Low Impact Recreation
Stewardship Credit
Wilderness First Aid Course
Please wear layers of breathable, technical clothing suitable for outdoor aerobic activities for this course's outdoor activities.
- Waterproof jacket, hat, buff, gloves, sunglasses
- Trail running shoes
- A runners vest or small day pack suitable for trail running
- Bring snacks and water
- Trail running-adapted ten essentials
You must register for this course to see course materials.