Leave No Trace
Beyond Running is a Leave No Trace Partner. Leave No Trace is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wildlands.
By following Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics, we can safely enjoy the trails while respecting other users and leaving the land for future generations to enjoy. The following version of these principles has been shortened for relevance to trail running. For a detailed version, please visit their website.
Plan ahead and prepare
- Know the regulations and special concerns, preparing for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.
- Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
Travel on durable surfaces: established trails, rock, gravel or snow
- In popular areas, concentrate use on existing trails and run single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- In pristine areas, disperse use to prevent the creation of trails and avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose of waste properly
- Pack it in, pack it out. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
Leave what you find
- Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
Respect wildlife
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be considerate of other visitors
- Yield to other users on the trail.
- Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- Take breaks away from trails and other visitors.
Let nature's sounds prevail
- Avoid loud voices and noises
