Run Kind

An Outside Kind campaign to keep the trails friendly, inclusive, and safe for everyone.

Runners are probably the most entitled trail user group out there — and I mean that literally, since they are typically yielded to in most circumstances, save perhaps when approaching from behind someone on horseback. When it comes to cyclists and slower hikers, runners are generally given the right of way at almost every trail intersection. Combine that with their controlled speed and low overall impact, and you have a recipe for an easygoing trail experience.

That said, all that privilege can go to one's head. The carefree nature of running on trails can lead to forgetting a few norms that used to be commonplace but are quietly getting left behind. Here are a couple of Run Kind issues I've noticed out on the trail — ones I'll admit I've been guilty of myself from time to time.

Run Inclusive: Offering a smile and a wave whenever you can goes a long way toward making others feel welcome and encouraged on the trail. It's easy to get caught up in segments, PRs, and heart rate zones, but a small acknowledgment of your fellow trail users makes a bigger difference than you might think.

Run Aware: Along the same lines, running with the awareness that you're sharing the trail with other users and wildlife is important for everyone's safety. That means tuning into your surroundings — and maybe tuning out of that audiobook or podcast, or at least keeping one ear open. You don't want to get caught off guard by an oncoming cyclist, even if you do technically have the right of way. And on that note: even when you're not required to yield to bikes at a head-on intersection, sometimes it's simply easier — and kinder — to step off the trail for a moment rather than making a whole group wait for you to jog through.

Those are just a few things I've noticed out on the trails lately. Overall, runners are one of the lowest-impact, lowest-conflict user groups around. But if we all strive to be a little more mindful, inclusive, and grateful out there, we'll elevate the experience for everyone who shares these trails.

Here are all of the important guidelines Outside Kind has listed on their Run Kind page — keep them in mind and put them into practice on your runs this season:

• Run Inclusive: Smile and say hello. Share the trails and encourage runners of all abilities.

• Run Aware: Be mindful of wildlife and plant life. Know and abide the leash requirements and etiquette of your area parks and trails. Please pick up your dogs poop where required, or move it off the trail.

• Run No Trace: Run on established trails. Avoid cutoffs, multiple tracks, and creating new paths.

• Run Smart: Know trail conditions, let others know your running plan, and have a plan B in case trail conditions are adverse.

• Run Safe: Be prepared and have appropriate gear for all weather and trail conditions. Bear spray is encouraged. Running with a partner is always best!

• Run Prepared: Warmup, stretch, and cooldown appropriately to your level of experience and exertion—and don’t forget to hydrate.

• Run Grateful: Our trails give us so much. Give back by volunteering for trail clean ups and other activities. Support local trail and recreation organizations.