About ATRA
The American Trail Running Association (ATRA) was founded in 1996 as a Colorado non-profit corporation to serve the mountain, ultra & trail (MUT) running community.
Membership We Offer
Individuals
Connect with the trail running community, receive news and updates, and access resources designed for solo runners.
Clubs
Support your club, promote events, and give members access to ATRA resources, newsletters, and networking opportunities.
Races
Promote your events, get listed in our national calendar, and showcase your race to the trail running community.
Corporations
Partner with ATRA to support the sport, connect with runners, and demonstrate your commitment to trail running.
What You Get as an
ATRA Member
Since 1996, ATRA has been the voice of trail runners everywhere. When you become a member, you're not just joining a community—you're supporting trail access advocacy, sustainable race practices, and the growth of our sport. Together, we protect the trails that make our adventures possible.
Support Trail Advocacy
Your membership funds our work to keep trails open and accessible for all runners.
Get Exclusive Content
Receive Trail Times quarterly newsletter with insider race information, training tips, and community stories.
Connect with Runners
Join a network of passionate trail runners, race directors, and outdoor enthusiasts nationwide.
What Trail Running Means to Us
While many runners think of trail running as steep mountain single-track, our definition is broader.
Mountain trails and rugged backcountry routes
Jeep or four-wheel drive roads (like the Imogene Pass Trail Race, which runs from Ouray to Telluride, CO)
Paved or gravel pathways in rural and urban areas
Parks, riverside paths, waterfronts, and lakeside trails
For us, trail running is defined by the experience—from breathtaking mountain vistas to the peace of an urban trail escape.
The Trail Experience
The Imogene Pass Trail Race is a perfect example. Though run mostly on jeep roads, participants describe it as a true trail experience—highlighting.
Awe-inspiring scenery from over 12,000 feet at the summit
Gnarly, technical terrain
Unpredictable mountain weather
This shows that trail running is more about the adventure, challenge, and connection with nature than just the type of path beneath your feet.
Trails in Our Communities
Today, trail running is not limited to remote mountain regions. Thanks to federal grants and local initiatives, communities are
Building new trails
Expanding existing systems
Improving signage and accessibility
Urban trails provide runners the same joy once found only in the mountains, such as:
American River Trail (Sacramento, CA)
Chicago Waterfront Trail
Central Park (New York, closed to cars on weekends, with off-road loops)
Minneapolis–St. Paul Lakes Trails (Twin Cities)
Our Goals
Through advocacy, education, and community, ATRA works to grow and strengthen the sport of trail running by:
Ensuring events are fun, safe, and well-organized
Providing a forum for discussion of trail running business and best practices
Building alliances with related organizations & associations
Promoting environmental responsibility
Sharing up-to-date trail running news and resources
Educating the outdoor and media communities about the sport
Encouraging more people to try trail running
Supporting family participation through clinics and events
Fundraising to support elite athletes & national MUT teams
The Trail Running Community Needs You
Whether you're looking for your next race, want to connect with fellow runners, or support trail advocacy—ATRA is your home base for everything trail running.