“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Topic: Trail-based “Adventure Sport" Runs in natural settings Includes trail races, but also Adventure races Team 'Treks' Supported walks My focus today is on trail-based events

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” George Brass, only finisher in the 1962 Mountain Trial (UK)

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” The characteristics of "Adventure sport" First and most important, it is nature-based May be competitive, to different degrees Provides supportive logistics & culture Large scale but very occasional use Mainly trail-based - no new facilities, IF shared-use Low environmental impact And - these events are growing fast!

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Chart: Participation in long distance running (Australia) "Mothers Day Classic attracted 50,000 participants nationally in 2007, up 31%“ (Aust) "Trail races now routinely fill online entry quotas in minutes“ (USA Trailrunner magazine)

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Put simply, we've got it wrong Overseas, huge range of events Australia, huge barriers to events In SE Queensland, exclusive use zoning Walking tracks for walkers only, 365 days/year

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Chasing a permit in Queensland This zone-based exclusionary system also leads to: A culture of conformity and precedents Loss of evidence-based decision-making Permits need to be based on a broader view of the specific values and issues of the event

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Why is all this important? Policy issue: “opportunities for solitude” vs obesity vs building an active culture Policy issue: regional promotion Policy issue: self-funding, & can fund trails maintenance Policy issue: runners are low impact park users Policy issue: targeting youth and low incomes

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Principals of sustainable events We need signature events in some high-demand areas Regional events in national parks should be the norm Also, shorter frequent events in accessible city parks Provide support so fun runners and walkers feel safe Access to well-signed, well-maintained trails Well-designed routes also use low-demand trails Cap entry numbers, ‘wave’ starts, trail courtesy briefings Trail runs have minimal environmental impact

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Birdwatcher Trailrunner Bushwalker Rogaines Bikes Trailbikes 4WDs Trackcutter

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Mont Blanc: Classic example of shared use - 130km of low-risk alpine trails across 3 countries, permitting 3,500 entrants in its 5th year

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” German Gutsmuth: A national symbol of achievement – run regularly since the 1970s, attracts 15,000 runners and walkers

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” England’s Lakeland Trails: New shorter run/walks - all four rated Top 50 by Runner’s World; 80% of 4,500 entrants travelled from outside the Lake District

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” USA National Trail Series: 150+ races and growing every year - huge incentive for regional travel; many fields fill up in first 10 minutes of online entries

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” NZ's Kepler Track: 20th year participants on alpine trail, major fundraiser for track maintenance eg helicopter gravel for trails and hut extensions

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Hopeful signs from NSW Six Foot Track: 800 entrants, raises $30,000 Sydney's Trailwalker raised $3 million! Two new trek-style events in Blue Mountains One regional park ranger even rang a run organiser to encourage him to start an event…

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” QLD Great Walks = contested ground Current SE Queensland interpretation: exclusive use New Zealand interpretation: 4/9 have events Kepler, Routeburn, Tongariro, Abel Tasman Great Walk = ideal venue for annual event Promote the Walk, the region, and fitness Next step: seeking high level meetings

“Running in the wild – catching up with the rest of the world” Ernest Dalziel 1910 Grassmere Guides Race