Trail Running’s Olympic and Paralympic Legacy

The International Trail Running Association (ITRA), is committed to champion trail running as an integral part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Our vision extends beyond medals and records; it encompasses the very essence of our sport—the rugged and beautiful natural landscapes, the camaraderie, and the indomitable spirit of athletes. 

Trail running is a fast growing discipline with huge increases in number of races, scale of events, participation numbers and interests from stakeholders. The World Mountain and Trail Running Championships have evidenced the high level of interest both from athletes around the world, supporters and followers. With members spanning over 50 countries, ITRA bridges cultures, languages, and landscapes. Our trails connect us all. Trail running embodies respect—for nature, for fellow runners, and for oneself. It’s not just about conquering peaks; it’s about honoring the journey.

ITRA believes that the increasing popularity, the unique challenges and beauty of trail running deserve recognition on the world stage.

Our Pledge:

• Advocacy: We will advocate for trail running’s place among Olympic and Paralympic disciplines. ITRA believes the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics provide a golden opportunity to showcase our sport’s authenticity, diversity and popularity on the world stage.
• Collaboration: We invite open dialogues with runners, athletes, race organisers, sporting officials & federations, and government. Together, we’ll shape a trail running format that stays true to our roots. 
• Integrity: Upholding the highest standards is paramount. Fair play, transparency, and environmental stewardship guide our path. Olympic status shall ensure the development of the sport with equal concern for the purity of the sport and the maintenance of fair play.
• Beauty and Challenge: The allure of the whispering forests, rocky escarpments, and the winding singletracks deserves global recognition.  Our natural stadia, where elevation becomes both adversary and ally, evoke awe and inspiration from the spectators on site and in front of TV screens alike.

Trail running’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy will be etched into the mountains, forests, plains, and hearts of athletes worldwide. Together we can ensure that trail running in the Olympics and Paralympics exemplifies not only the spirit of competition and athleticism, but also respect for nature, for others and for oneself that are so central to our sports legacy.

“We believe that the 2032 Brisbane Olympics would be a good time for this to take place…the increasing popularity, the unique challenges and beauty of trail running deserve recognition on the world stage. ITRA is committed to working collaboratively with relevant parties to uphold the integrity of the sport in the Olympics and, at the same time, align with the principles and objectives of the Olympic movement.”

Janet Ng, ITRA President

“Everyone would agree, regardless of which side of the fence you’re on about trail running being included in the Olympics and Paralympics, that we should be managing the growth of the sport, maintenance of its values & history, new people brought into the sport and support of those already established in the sport on both the elite and recreational levels. Elevation of trail running to the world’s greatest sporting stage could support these important aims."

Michael Duggan, Coordinator of the ITRA Olympic Trail Running Working Group