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Did You Know - Running

Sport Tourism

This article originally appeared in the August edition of the City of Lethbridge Recreation and Culture Guide

Running is one of the most familiar forms of movement, but as a sport, it can take many forms. It might mean a quick jog around your neighbourhood, laps around a track, exploring a trail, or training for a race. While competitive running includes organized events and distances, you don’t need to compete, join a team, or reach a certain pace to participate.

At its core, running involves moving through a repeated series of strides, with both feet briefly leaving the ground between steps. It requires very little equipment and can take place almost anywhere, allowing runners to choose where, how far, and how fast they want to go.

There's More Than One Way to Run

Road Running: From neighbourhood runs to organized road races, with distances ranging from 5K to the 42.2 km marathon.
Trail Running: Take your run off the pavement and onto trails with changing terrain and elevation, or challenge yourself with trail races and ultramarathons.
Track Running: Typically done on a 400-meter outdoor track, with events ranging from 100 to 10,000 meters and combining speed, endurance, pacing, and strategy.

Why Give Running a Try?

Running is one of the simplest sports to get started with. There are no complicated rules or specific skills to master before giving it a try. With comfortable shoes and somewhere to go, you’re ready to get moving. New runners can start with shorter distances or a mix of walking and running, gradually building confidence and finding a pace that feels right. Progress looks different for everyone, simply start where you are and build from there.

Start Small. Run Your Way.

Whether your goal is your first 5K, exploring a new trail, joining a running group, or enjoying a short run around the neighbourhood, there’s no single way to be a runner.