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 to 8 miles on hilly trails (power 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 as well as being  a prerequisite to enroll in our fastpacking course. (Frontcountry trail runs are open to everyone.)

Course Format

The course consists of the following components:

• 1 virtual lecture (zoom) of approximately 2 hours - required
• 1 outdoor session (gear demo) of approximately 2 hours - required 
• 3 field trips (2 instructional, 1 experience) - required

Graduation Requirements 

 In addition to the course's own activities, the following 4 badges are requirements for graduation and need to be obtained separately from this course.

• Stewardship Credit badge for taking part in a trail maintenance (or similar) activity
• Wilderness First Aid Course badge  
• Basic Navigation Course badge 
• Low Impact Recreation badge (earn this through a free online self-paced training with the Mountaineers)

Note:  Wilderness First Aid and Basic Navigation are high demand courses and fill up fast. It is advised to enroll in them at the first given opportunities as graduating from this course is dependent on having those additional badges.