This article examines the formidable challenges faced by the trail-running community amid two converging crises: the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate change. Trail running has experienced rapid global growth over the past decade, with an estimated 20 million participants and over 25,700 races in 195 countries, according to figures provided by the International Trail-Running Association. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 dramatically disrupted the landscape of the sport. Lockdown measures and travel restrictions forced the cancellation of major events such as the Ultra-trail World Tour, the Golden Trail World Series, and the Skyrunning World Series, resulting in significant economic losses for host regions and affecting the livelihoods of those dependent on event tourism. In response to the health crisis, both athletes and organizers adapted rapidly by turning to digital solutions. Virtual races and “phygital” events emerged as innovative alternatives, enabling runners to compete from home while still tracking their performance using GPS technology. These digital adaptations offered a temporary bridge during a period of uncertainty, yet they could not fully replicate the immersive experience of traditional trail running, which is deeply rooted in natural environments. Parallel to the health crisis, the article highlights the environmental challenges that trail running faces. Events taking place in remote, ecologically sensitive areas have led to concerns about vegetation damage, soil degradation, and increased waste. This has compelled event organizers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as limiting participant numbers, promoting eco-responsible behaviors, and implementing waste reduction measures to lessen the ecological footprint of these races. Ultimately, the article argues that the trail-running community is at a crossroads. The twin pressures of a global health emergency and a persistent climate crisis require a fundamental rethinking of how events are organized, ensuring that the sport’s growth remains sustainable and that its cultural and environmental benefits are preserved.

This article examines the formidable challenges faced by the trail-running community amid two converging crises: the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing climate change. Trail running has experienced rapid global growth over the past decade, with an estimated 20 million participants and over 25,700 races in 195 countries, according to figures provided by the International Trail-Running Association. However, the outbreak of Covid-19 dramatically disrupted the landscape of the sport. Lockdown measures and travel restrictions forced the cancellation of major events such as the Ultra-trail World Tour, the Golden Trail World Series, and the Skyrunning World Series, resulting in significant economic losses for host regions and affecting the livelihoods of those dependent on event tourism. In response to the health crisis, both athletes and organizers adapted rapidly by turning to digital solutions. Virtual races and “phygital” events emerged as innovative alternatives, enabling runners to compete from home while still tracking their performance using GPS technology. These digital adaptations offered a temporary bridge during a period of uncertainty, yet they could not fully replicate the immersive experience of traditional trail running, which is deeply rooted in natural environments. Parallel to the health crisis, the article highlights the environmental challenges that trail running faces. Events taking place in remote, ecologically sensitive areas have led to concerns about vegetation damage, soil degradation, and increased waste. This has compelled event organizers to adopt more sustainable practices, such as limiting participant numbers, promoting eco-responsible behaviors, and implementing waste reduction measures to lessen the ecological footprint of these races. Ultimately, the article argues that the trail-running community is at a crossroads. The twin pressures of a global health emergency and a persistent climate crisis require a fundamental rethinking of how events are organized, ensuring that the sport’s growth remains sustainable and that its cultural and environmental benefits are preserved.