Trail running demands toughness and minimalism – Tristan Kennedy explains why it’s so cool
On 22 March last year, decorated British trail runner Jasmin Paris achieved the crowning moment of her career – not surrounded by cheering crowds on The Mall, like a London Marathon winner, but by collapsing beneath a nondescript metal gate, covered in flaking yellow paint, on an anonymous dirt road in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park.
The barrier marks the start and finish line of the Barkley Marathons – an ultra-endurance event so perverse in its rules it barely qualifies as a race. Created by eccentric Tennessee native Gary Cantrell – better known by his nickname, Lazarus Lake – it has been run every year since 1986, but only 20 people have ever finished. Competitors must complete five 32-kilometre loops within a 60-hour cut-off. Paris, who finished in 59 hours, 58 minutes and 21 seconds, was the first – and so far only – woman ever to make it.
The distance is extreme, but that’s only half the battle. The course traverses steep, thickly forested terrain covered in sharp, thorny underbrush. It’s unmarked, requiring runners to rely on navigational skills, and changes every year. Often, there is no visible trail at all.
The starting protocol is equally perverse. Runners are told to gather on a particular date, but the race can start at any point within a 24-hour period. Laz gives a one-hour warning by blowing on a conch shell, and starts the race by lighting a cigarette.
Even entering is difficult. Hopefuls must pay a token fee of US$1.60 and submit an essay explaining why they should be offered one of the 40 spots. The selection process is opaque – while many elite endurance athletes have been accepted, Laz also chooses people simply because he likes the sound of them. He’s been known to select applicants who have no realistic chance, calling them – only half-jokingly – necessary human sacrifices.
The fact that such idiosyncrasies have elevated the Barkley Marathons to cult status tells you something about trail running as a whole. Unlike road running – where the most prestigious events are run on carefully controlled city-centre courses – trail running revels in difficulty, even masochism. Handling adverse weather and navigating technical terrain are core elements of the sport. At the elite level, the ability to function on minimal sleep is also essential.
If the Barkley Marathons represent the Platonic ideal of a trail event, then Jasmin Paris is arguably the archetypal trail runner. Unlike top road racers, she isn’t a professional – she’s a vet and a mother of two who fits training around other responsibilities. She has no sponsorship deals, rarely gives interviews, and runs not for fame or fortune, but for the love of the sport. And, crucially, she’s a woman.
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A growing body of evidence suggests that over ultra-marathon distances, women may not only match men, but outperform them. Studies indicate that women’s muscle composition – with more slow-twitch fibres – gives them greater fatigue resistance. The female metabolism may also be better suited to extreme endurance. Of course, men’s natural advantages in strength and speed gained during puberty are significant. But in trail running – where decision-making and navigation are just as important – excess testosterone doesn’t always help.
The first recorded instance of a woman beating men in a long-distance trail race was in 1992, when Helen Diamantides and her partner Mark Stone won the Dragon’s Back Challenge in Wales. Paris herself provided a recent and prominent example by winning the 2019 Spine Race outright, setting a new record on the 431-kilometre course.
Such victories remain rare, but they make the discipline feel more egalitarian and accessible than many other male-dominated sports.
Trail running is also relatively accessible in terms of kit. You need trail-specific shoes with off-road grip and breathable clothing to wick sweat. I run with a hydration vest and soft flasks to make it easy to access water and snacks. For navigation, I use a combination of watch and phone. I also consider a cap, sunglasses and running headphones essential. Many runners use lightweight poles for support on steep climbs or descents. For longer events – especially those involving poor weather – a windproof, waterproof jacket is vital.
But one of trail running’s best qualities is that you don’t need the latest, flashiest gear to run well. Paris proved this at Barkley, where she wore shoes that were at least two seasons old. That’s another thing that sets the sport apart from road running events such as the London Marathon, where hype around the latest carbon-plated shoes is inescapable. And it’s yet another reason – along with the lack of crowds and the emphasis on pure passion – that makes trail running not just different but, dare I say, cooler than road running.
Wishlist – three items that will make trail running more comfortable
The Essential: BAM Novea Training T-Shirt – £42
Breathable clothing is a must for trail running, especially over long distances. Getting soaked through with sweat can quickly turn unpleasant if the weather changes. Cotton doesn’t cut it. While most performance wear uses polyester blends, British brand BAM makes its kit from bamboo – a more sustainable and equally effective material. Turning fast-growing, carbon-absorbing bamboo into viscose threads and then fabric, generates a lower carbon footprint than even organic cotton. This Novea Training T-shirt, with gusset seaming under the arms for added movement, is as breathable as any high-performance equivalent, and much better for the planet.
bambooclothing.co.uk
The Luxury: The North Face Summit Run Race Day Vest – £145
Technically, a running vest is an essential – it allows you to carry water, snacks, your phone, and emergency kit. But this top-tier model from The North Face’s Summit Series is a definite luxury. Weighing just 120 grams, it comes with two 500ml soft flasks, a zip pocket for your phone, and a stretchy eight-litre rear compartment – ample space for a jacket or extra layers. Built with FlashDry fabric, it wicks moisture effectively, while a stash loop accommodates trekking poles.
thenorthface.co.uk
The Surprisingly Useful: Soar Ankle Race Sock – £22
Trail running over long distances can take a toll on your feet. That’s where a pair of technical socks—such as these from Soar – make all the difference. More breathable than standard socks, they help reduce sweat and minimise the risk of blisters. Made from durable, lightweight fabric with reinforced heels and toes, they’re designed to last. And yes, they’ll smell better too. (Fun fact: they’re named after Soar founder Tim Soar – not a sore ankle.)
