Opening the Path to Trail Running

A toolkit for runners, retailers, and communities with support from Altra.

Running is for everyone.

At the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, our mission is to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).

After seeing a lack of BIPOC representation data and images on trail experiences, we knew it was essential to bring the stories and insights of more athletes to the forefront. This toolkit, written by running and outdoors writer Allison Torres Burtka, helps us look deeper into trail running, offering historical context on this side of the sport and practical, accessible ways to get started. It also includes advice from a range of RIDC community members.

This resource serves two purposes:

To provide BIPOC runners with a welcoming, comprehensive guide and helpful resources to start or continue their trail running journey.

To help leaders in the trail space better understand the barriers to entry many BIPOC runners face, and uncover opportunities to provide a sense of belonging to those who have historically been left out of trail running.

Running is for everyone. Trail running can be, too. This toolkit is a key step toward making sure no one is left out of the movement, the outdoors, and the joy that trail running can bring.