Trail Running and COVID-19
As many (all?) of you have heard we are in unprecedented times facing COVID-19, an infectious disease that has spread around the world and has landed in California. This outbreak has had huge impacts on both human health as well as economies around the world. While we experience this crisis, this page will contain relatively up to date information about how to keep running in the Bay Area.
Disclaimer: Here at Trailstompers none of us are doctors, epidemiologists, or virologists. Please take all of this information with a grain of salt and think critically about the sources and information we provide. We will do our best to keep this page as correct and up to date with information about staying in place, trail closures, and other updates.
Last Update: 11/14/2020
Information About COVID-19
We are not doctors, but here are some sites that will provide helpful information about the virus.
Can I go out running?
Probably!
As of right now the State of California has implemented an indefinite stay at home order. You can read more about the order here. The order states that as "long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air." This means that you can continue to recreate outside for walks, runs, hikes, and even bike rides if that's your jam. Please check with your local government to ensure that there are not additional restrictions within your city or county that may not allow you to recreate outdoors. San Mateo County currently restricts residents from traveling over five miles to recreate.
Should I go out running?
Maybe?
While the State of California is allowing people to continue to exercise outdoors and go on hikes, a large influx of hikers, runners, and bikers have shown up at parks which have resulted in conditions that are not conducive of healthy practices to avoid spreading COVID-19. Heavily populated trails, large crowds, and poor health practices have resulted in the closure of many parks as well as the threat of closures of others. If you can avoid far travel, maintain safe distance between trail users, and stay safe then all the power to you, go out and enjoy the trails. If not, then stay home and run around your neighborhood.
We may not be the most qualified to tell you what to do so maybe take the advice from someone who is. Read this blog post written by professional ultra runner and former Bay Area resident Dr. Megan Roche about how to stay active during the COVID-19 crisis.
So what do I do when I go running?
Do
Where can I go running?
Most parks at this point have opened with restrictions! Please check with the land management district of the park you are running in to verify whether the park is accessible. Additionally look at updated maps as some trails may be designated single way. Also PLEASE do not park in local neighborhoods to avoid parking closures. If this continues to happen the park may be forced to close leaving the locals out of a park to recreate in.
Disclaimer: Here at Trailstompers none of us are doctors, epidemiologists, or virologists. Please take all of this information with a grain of salt and think critically about the sources and information we provide. We will do our best to keep this page as correct and up to date with information about staying in place, trail closures, and other updates.
Last Update: 11/14/2020
Information About COVID-19
We are not doctors, but here are some sites that will provide helpful information about the virus.
Can I go out running?
Probably!
As of right now the State of California has implemented an indefinite stay at home order. You can read more about the order here. The order states that as "long as you are maintaining a safe social distance of six feet from people who aren’t part of your household, it is ok to go outside for exercise, a walk or fresh air." This means that you can continue to recreate outside for walks, runs, hikes, and even bike rides if that's your jam. Please check with your local government to ensure that there are not additional restrictions within your city or county that may not allow you to recreate outdoors. San Mateo County currently restricts residents from traveling over five miles to recreate.
Should I go out running?
Maybe?
While the State of California is allowing people to continue to exercise outdoors and go on hikes, a large influx of hikers, runners, and bikers have shown up at parks which have resulted in conditions that are not conducive of healthy practices to avoid spreading COVID-19. Heavily populated trails, large crowds, and poor health practices have resulted in the closure of many parks as well as the threat of closures of others. If you can avoid far travel, maintain safe distance between trail users, and stay safe then all the power to you, go out and enjoy the trails. If not, then stay home and run around your neighborhood.
We may not be the most qualified to tell you what to do so maybe take the advice from someone who is. Read this blog post written by professional ultra runner and former Bay Area resident Dr. Megan Roche about how to stay active during the COVID-19 crisis.
So what do I do when I go running?
Do
- Maintain 6 feet of social distance from other trail users.
- Run at your local parks and trails.
- Wear a face covering (buff, mask, bandana...)
- Stay safe and within your ability levels.
- Run alone or with members of your residence (significant others, kids, dogs, cats(?)).
- Prepare for park closures, facility closures, and bathroom closures.
- Go out if exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
- Run at popular parks. Rancho San Antonio OSP, Tilden Regional Preserve, and the Marin Headlands should be avoided.
- Pass close to others.
- Stretch your abilities and run sketchy trails. Hurting yourself puts extra strain on already busy emergency services as well as risks SAR personnel.
- Go on group runs.
- Violate park closures and parking restrictions.
Where can I go running?
Most parks at this point have opened with restrictions! Please check with the land management district of the park you are running in to verify whether the park is accessible. Additionally look at updated maps as some trails may be designated single way. Also PLEASE do not park in local neighborhoods to avoid parking closures. If this continues to happen the park may be forced to close leaving the locals out of a park to recreate in.
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