The Trail Ultra Project: Telling the Story of North American and British Off-Road Endurance Running.

Why do we do it? Dragging ourselves out of a warm bed for yet another early morning training run. Struggling through the mental and physical low points of a race. Risking injury, battling the elements. Spending days and weeks hobbling around after the last gruelling adventure. Just what is it about trail and ultra running that inspires such dedication and passion?

To answer this question, the recently launched Trail Ultra Project will provide the first comprehensive account of our rapidly growing sport, culture and community. And if you’re reading this, then we’d like to invite you to participate by completing the project survey (it only takes 10 minutes).

Led by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire, in the UK, the project aims to tell the story of off-road and endurance running in North America and Britain. From trail blazing races in the early 20th Century, such as Dipsea (U.S.) and Ben Nevis (UK), through to live-streamed ultras and Fastest Known Time ‘dot watching’ over the last few years – the sport has grown, evolved and continues to change.

Incredibly, between 2009-19, the U.S. saw a 300% rise in the number of ultra distance trail race finishers, whilst Britain witnessed a whopping 1,800% increase[1]. The sport has clearly never been more popular. But why? Who are we? What role does running play in our lives? What do we think about the changing nature of trail and ultra running? What even is trail and ultra running?

Difficult questions connected to this growth are at the forefront of debate amongst media commentators and public figures in the trail and ultra running world. Dylan Bowman, for example, recently hosted an excellent discussion with Sabrina Little, Mario Fraioli and Zoë Rom on the Free Trail podcast, touching upon a myriad of concerns, including around commercialisation and inclusion within the sport.

Race directors welcome the opportunities for growth, but worry about the safety of inexperienced competitors. Advocates cite concerns about the environmental impact of running and fast fashion. The institutional architecture of the sport continues to be erected – witness the recent UTMB/Ironman partnership – and on both sides of the debate there are strong feelings about power and accountability. But as runners, what do we think about all of this? How do we conduct ourselves? And how does running fit in with (or perhaps dominate) other aspects of our everyday lives?

The three-year Trail Ultra Project will produce the first public datahub, with detailed survey information about trail and ultra runners. We will publish a book, telling the story of the recent growth in trail and ultra running in North America and Britain. And we’ll look to use the research to develop funding opportunities that will make a practical and positive difference on the ground.

Here is how you can participate. Please visit the project website to find out more (www.trailultraproject.com) and consider completing the Trail Ultra Survey. We’ll also be interviewing people across the sport, from elite athletes to casual runners, and podcasters to race directors. This is your sport, your community – so help us to include your voice.

[1] This data is on an analysis of the DUV Ultra Marathon Statistics database. U.S: 32,892 to 100,987 finishers (2009-19). Britain: 2,135 to 39,096 finishers (2009-19).