Happy 2019! Your Group Run Just Got A Lot Bigger

Happy 2019, trail runners! Let’s talk stats.

As a reader of Trail Runner magazine, you are part of a growing population of trail runners. You, and the community around you, find the time to wake up early or skip lunch to lace up, go outdoors and push your limits. Here at TR, we’re thrilled to support the sport and fuel your passion.

According to the 2018 Outdoor Industry Association Participation Report, trail-running participants make up 3.1 percent of the U.S. population. Running, including jogging and trail running, was the most popular outdoor activity for Americans (almost 20 percent of the population!), and trail running specifically has grown a whopping 117 percent since 2007, adding more than four million participants.

It’s comforting to know all of us are out there sharing common goals and exploring beautiful places with friends. To boot, running topped the charts as the “most popular outdoor activity” amongst the following groups: Asian—24%, Hispanic—22%, Black—18%.

Young adults are hitting the dirt as well. Among Americans, ages 18 to 24, running was reported as the “favorite activity by frequency of participation.” Seven percent of this age group reported trail running in 2017, up from 2.8 percent in 2007.

Trail Runner is changing things up for the new year, as you may have noticed, to keep up with the growth. Each issue of the print magazine is now thicker, includes more features and photos, has higher paper quality and a fresh look.

As well, we’re pumping up our online content, particularly with gear reviews. We tap our expert reviewers to test the latest offerings, from watches to shoes to hydration options … even coffee.

Our “First Look” assessments offer testers’ initial impression of the latest gear, while our “Trail Tested” reviews are based upon testing gear for at least 50 trail miles. Be on the lookout for our signature “Editor’s Choice” logo on gear we think you’ll love.

Lastly, this year we’re adding two camps to our roster. This coming summer, we’re hosting our second annual Trail Running Camp with renowned coaches Megan and David Roche. And this fall, keep on the lookout for our super popular Photo Camp where expert photographers instruct students on shooting outdoor-sports action, editing and more.

We’re here to inspire you, your friends and family to go out and find your dirt. Here’s to a fantastic 2019. Cheers.