Trail running participation surged 38 percent in 2025 according to the Outdoor Industry Association, as road runners increasingly seek the mental health benefits and physical variety that off-road terrain provides.
Entry-level trail races between 5K and 10K distances saw the biggest growth, with event organizers reporting sellouts months in advance. The demographic skews younger than traditional road racing, with 62 percent of new trail runners under age 35.
Experts recommend that road runners transitioning to trails start with well-groomed paths and invest in proper trail shoes with aggressive tread patterns and rock plates before attempting technical single-track terrain.
