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Trail running, a beloved outdoor activity celebrated for its health benefits and immersion in nature, faces significant hurdles for women due to safety concerns, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
The study, conducted by researchers who surveyed 548 regular trail runners, highlighted distinct preferences and anxieties among participants. While slipping or falling was universally the top concern (55.1%), gender disparities emerged in fears of encountering other people and wildlife, as well as the loss of phone reception.
Women trail runners expressed notably higher apprehension about encountering other individuals (38.9% compared to 12.6% of men) and wildlife such as cougars (32.4% compared to 21.2% of men). Moreover, over half of the female respondents (50.8%) cited concerns about losing phone reception, compared to 33.8% of their male counterparts.
Nadine Schuurman, lead investigator and professor at SFU’s Department of Geography, underscored the safety concerns among women, noting societal factors that hinder their participation in trail running. “Women are understandably more concerned about their safety, influenced by prevalent news stories about threats,” Schuurman stated. She highlighted additional challenges such as time commitments due to household responsibilities, which disproportionately affect women’s ability to engage in the sport.
In addition to safety concerns, the study explored trail runners’ preferences in terrain, revealing a preference for undulating trails (57.2%) over steep or flat routes. Participants favored well-maintained paths (56.0%) over rocky terrain (40.3%).
The research forms part of a broader investigation into “runnability,” a concept coined by the researchers to evaluate environmental factors that either facilitate or hinder recreational running. Previous studies focused on urban running preferences and neighborhood characteristics conducive to physical activity.
Future research aims to delve deeper into popular running routes using data from the Strava app, examining specific environmental factors that contribute to a runner-friendly environment. “Understanding what makes a good running route is crucial to encouraging and supporting runners, both in urban and rural settings,” Schuurman emphasized.
The findings underscore the importance of addressing safety concerns and optimizing trail conditions to promote inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor recreational activities.
For more details, the research paper titled “Environmental Preferences and Concerns of Recreational Trail Runners” can be accessed in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2024).
