The fashion of the trail has arrived, has stayed, and is already comfortably seated among other popular outdoors sports. It has also entered into the sphere of action of the administrations in charge of the conservation of our natural areas. 89% of trail races take place in protected areas. Therefore, in a joint effort, our administrations have developed a Manual of good practices in the design of the events. Not only in the face of the sudden transit of many more people through areas with little traffic, but also impacts such as footprints in sensitive areas next to paths, the dumping of bottles or non-biodegradable food containers, running through particularly sensitive areas…

All this translates into a series of good practices to be taken into account by the organization, but also by the runner, who must be aware that good behavior must occur at all levels. If you have doubts, before practicing a sport in a protected area, check with the responsible authority. It is possible that there are zones vetoed according to which activity because of its greater sensitivity.

Here we include some of those practices that we recommend to preserve our mountain:

Respect the environment. Do not damage the natural, geological and cultural resources.
Respect the itinerary established and marked out by the organization, without leaving it. Avoid secondary trails to the main trail. Do not cut across fields. Avoid cutting through the inside of the curves.
It is forbidden to throw rubbish, except in places that the organization has enabled.
Do not emit signals or flashes of light, except the frontal illumination of the route, in night tours.
Report any negligent environmental conduct by other runners.
Oblige to mark gels, sticks, etc., with the rider’s number.
Do not yell during the course.
Avoid stepping inside humid areas (puddles, streams, peat bogs…) during the route.

Of course, if you participate in a trail race, follow the rules of the organization in each case. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the scenery.