Happy New Year trail runners! Every fall the American Trail Running Association’s board members get together to discuss strategy and goals for the coming year. As part of these discussions we also come up with a theme to guide our next 12 months of programming and be an inspiration for our Trail News stories.
For 2022, ATRA’s board unanimously landed on the theme, “Trail Running is for Every Body.” With this theme as our touchstone, ATRA will lead by example and work to welcome people of all shapes and sizes, genders, colors, and abilities into the sport of trail running.
According to ATRA President Adam Chase, “The theme for 2022 is a welcome mat. ATRA will serve as a trailhead concierge, inviting all to come run off road and embrace the sport those who already practice treasure so much. We hope this year sees continued growth, with new runners – either venturing from track or road or increasing their tempo from walking and hiking – to join the trail running community. Every body can come run the trails and we certainly hope they do in 2022.”
Throughout 2022 we will weave the “Every Body” theme into our content and programming by:
- Sharing stories from trail runners about how they were introduced to the sport and what, if any, barriers they faced.
- Developing partnerships with brands to help increase trail running participation by under-represented groups.
- Providing advice and resources to help more people connect with the trail running community.
- Celebrate the joy inherent in trail running.
ATRA Executive Director Nancy Hobbs said, “We look forward to collaborating with our community far and wide to insure everyone has a welcoming and rewarding experience on the trails and finds their happy place whether it be alone, with a partner, a friend, or a group. We hope everyone considers sharing their love of trail running by reaching out and inviting someone new to our sport in 2022.”
Photo: Birkie Trail Run.
“Trail Running is for Every Body” follows our recent annual themes including last year’s Resilience, 2020’s Climate Action, 2019’s Trail Running Responsibly, 2018’s Trail Stewardship: Leaving a Lasting Legacy, and our 2017 theme, Community: Building Trail Running Connections.
Photo: Zach Freidley.
As we close 2021, we thank everyone for celebrating our 25th anniversary and supporting the launch of our new brand identity which signified a “new beginning” with a crisp, contemporary and professional appearance. Even amid growth and change, we remain true to our roots and founding that will take us well into the next 25 years. We invite you to join us on our journey.
American Trail Running Association’s mission is to represent and promote trail running, mountain running, and ultra-running on trails. This covers not just racing but trail running as a way of life — a healthy, outdoor activity for all age groups and ability levels. As part of our mission we also support trail maintenance, access to public lands, respect for all trail users, embracing the diverse community that makes up our sport, and sustainable land use.
Photo: Under Armour TransRockies Run
