Trail Running Course
Introduction to Trail Running: Frontcountry
Learn how to get started with trail running on local frontcountry trails
Contacts
- Thu, Apr 2, 2026 - Sun, May 31, 2026
- Committee: Foothills Trail Running Committee
- Members: $75.00 Guests: $90.00
- Availability: 18 (20 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
Introduction to Trail Running: Frontcountry is designed to introduce participants to trail running in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
This course is for you if you are:
- A hiker who is looking to explore local frontcountry trails at a faster pace
- A road runner who is interested in changing up your terrain and scenery
- A beginner trail runner who wants to find an inclusive community and connect with other runners
Field trips will range from 3 to 6 miles. All paces are welcome, including a combination of walking uphill and running or jogging on flats and descents.
This course will introduce you to:
- Trail running gear
- Basic trail running techniques and etiquette
- Frontcountry trail navigation basics
- Hydration and fueling fundamentals
- Trail running safety
For participants new to trail running, this course is a great stepping stone before taking Introduction to Trail Running: Backcountry, should you choose to do so. Please note that this course, Introduction to Trail Running: Frontcountry, IS NOT a prerequisite for the backcountry course.
If the course is full, please join the waitlist.
Course Format
The course consists of:
- An introductory online session held over Zoom
- Field trips to a frontcountry location (e.g. the Issaquah Alps) to practice skills and ask questions
Field trips are organized into 3 instruction blocks, each focused on a specific skill:
- April 12 - April 25 : Trail and group etiquette
- April 26 - May 9 : Uphill and downhill running
- May 10 - May 23 : Technical terrain
Please initially sign up for only 1 run per block. Additional spots may open later. We'll discuss this during the Zoom session on April 2.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate and earn your skills badge, you must:
- Attend the introductory Zoom session
- Attend at least 1 field trip in each instruction block (3 field trips minimum)
Once you have completed all graduation requirements, please e-mail the course contact.
Please reach out if you have any questions.
Badges you will earn:
Trail Running Fundamentals
| Course Activity | Date | Availability | Leader |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intro to Trail Running: Frontcountry - Online Session | |||
| Online Classroom |
Thu, Apr 2, 2026
Registration closes Mar 31
|
18
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Intro to Trail Running: Frontcountry - Trail and Group Etiquette (optional) | |||
| Redmond Watershed Preserve |
Sun, Apr 12, 2026
Registration closes Apr 10
|
7
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Cougar Mountain: Harvey Manning Trailhead |
Tue, Apr 21, 2026
Registration closes Apr 19
|
5
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Redmond Watershed Preserve |
Thu, Apr 23, 2026
Registration closes Apr 21
|
8
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Redmond Watershed Preserve |
Sat, Apr 25, 2026
Registration closes Apr 23
|
8
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Intro to Trail Running: Frontcountry - Uphill and Downhill Running (optional) | |||
| Licorice Fern Trail |
Thu, Apr 30, 2026
Registration closes Apr 28
|
8
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Cougar Mountain: Sky Country Trailhead |
Sun, May 3, 2026
Registration closes May 1
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Squak Mountain: May Valley Access |
Tue, May 5, 2026
Registration closes May 3
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Cougar Mountain: Sky Country Trailhead |
Thu, May 7, 2026
Registration closes May 5
|
8
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Intro to Trail Running: Frontcountry - Running on Technical Terrain (optional) | |||
| Cougar Mountain: Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead |
Wed, May 13, 2026
Registration closes May 11
|
6
participants
0 instructors
|
|
| Soaring Eagle Regional Park |
Thu, May 14, 2026
Registration closes May 12
|
7
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Soaring Eagle Regional Park |
Sun, May 17, 2026
Registration closes May 15
|
7
participants
1 instructor
|
|
| Terrace, De Leo Wall, Wildside & Marshall Hill Loop |
Tue, May 19, 2026
Registration closes May 17
|
8
participants
0 instructors
|
|
Field trip gear list:
- Trail running shoes
- Technical running clothes in synthetic or wool fabrics - No cotton.
- Ten essentials adapted for frontcountry trail running
- Lightweight windshell or rainshell
- Running vest or belt
- Water and snacks
- Map (downloaded or physical)
- Cell phone
Weather dependent items (optional):
- Gloves
- Sunglasses
- SPF
- Cap (sun hat) or beanie (warm hat)
- Extra layers
- Watch
There are no materials for this course.