By launching its new ITRA National League, ITRA (the International Trail Running Association) aims to promote the development of trail-running at the national level.
The league aims to encourage runners to reduce their carbon footprint by running locally, and in-turn helping to support and promote local events.
ITRA adds that the ITRA National League is inclusive. It lists all the athletes from all over the world in a general national ranking, by age category.
Each runner who appears in the general ranking of a minimum of three race results in the same country will appear in the general ranking of the ITRA National League of that country.
The new league will start on January 1st, 2023 and will end for the year on December 31st, 2023.
All ITRA member races are part of the new league. Athletes can recognize participating races via a logo present next to the visual of the races in the ITRA calendar.
A release from ITRA added… ‘As the effects of climate change become increasingly obvious, action on environmental issues becomes ever more urgent. Whether in our daily actions or in the practice of the sport we love, we must act now.’
‘ITRA is focused on finding ways to practice trail running while respecting the natural environment. We can start by reducing carbon emissions from trail-running activities. Alternatives are possible. That is why ITRA is launching the ITRA National League.
‘True to the values of trail running, ITRA wishes to encourage and support our activities throughout the world sustainably and responsibly by proposing initiatives which address current environmental issues.
‘The ITRA National League is our next step on this journey. It aims to promote racing locally, connecting all ITRA member races in one country in one national league. This allows healthy competition between all athletes in each country and supports local races. It can help us all to reduce our carbon footprint whilst we continue to enjoy the beauty and adventure of trail racing.’
