As ultrarunning becomes more popular, it’s imperative that we learn, follow, and share Leave No Trace (LNT) principles with our running buddies. There’s never an excuse to litter and we must continue to hold each other to these standards whether we’re in an urban park, a remote wilderness or at mile 85 of a 100-miler. Here are the seven basic tenets.
Author
Clare Gallagher
Clare Gallagher
Clare Gallagher is an ultrarunner and environmental advocate living in Boulder, Colorado. After studying the impacts of climate change on coral reefs at Princeton, she transitioned to running long in the mountains.
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Running through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, America’s most visited wilderness area, is not for the faint of heart. But the views and wildlife – countless fish species, moose, loons, river otters, bears – make it so worth it.
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Good races – races I want to run, crew and volunteer at – all have some key characteristics in common. It often boils down to leadership: good races have race directors who evolve.
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In lieu of racing Western States this year due to its cancellation, I’ve renewed my general commitments and made my own backyard running goals. If I follow through, I think the payoffs will be much greater than finishing any race. I hope the following list inspires you to make your own set of goals.