How to Follow Safety Precautions for Trail Running

By eHow Sports & Fitness Editor

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Trail running can be an incredibly rewarding sport, but one that involves a certain eye for safety. Most trails you find are completely safe and well traveled; but some are meant for experienced runners or hikers. Safety precautions are always a must, regardless of your skill level. Knowing which steps to take for which trail is key. With a little research, experience and assistance from seasoned runners, it should be easy to follow adequate safety precautions for trail running. Follow these steps to learn more.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Survival gear (for longer or unknown trails)
Trail map
Water
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunblock
Other protective gear

Follow Trail Running Safety Precautions

Step1

Keep your eyes on the trail while running. The view may be incredible; but if you keep looking at it while you're running, you are liable to trip and fall. That could be incredibly dangerous, particularly on inclines without rails.

Step2

Read the trail rules before you start. Every major trail has information regarding safety precautions at the head of the trail. This gives you an easy to follow list that you should write down or learn.

Step3

Drink plenty of water. Bring plenty with you on the trail. This is one of the most basic safety precautions people forget. Even if the trail is short (less than 10 miles), you should have water with you in case you begin to overheat and need to prevent dehydration.

Step4

Head back with enough time to arrive at the head of the trail before dark. Running in the dark is dangerous since you can't see the trail and because many predators are nocturnal.

Tips & Warnings

Bring an experienced trail runner with you when you hit a trail for the first time. They are a great asset for pointing out dangerous spots on the trail as well as help you learn some valuable tips about the different routes and advice for future attempts.
Always check with park rangers whenever you're about to go on a trail, especially one that you are unfamiliar with. They will be able to answer any questions you have about the trail as well as any wildlife which may pose a threat.
Running is excellent exercise; but don't overdue it. Before you plan on doing any trail running, you may want to speak to your doctor first to get her opinion.