This year’s first beginner trail run took place on Sunday, with 17 people attending.
Organiser Alice Brice said more than half of those were new to trail running.
"Two travelled down from Christchurch, and one was from Methven."
Mrs Brice was disappointed by the mud, or — in this case — the lack of it.
"It was pretty dry, to my surprise.
"This time two years ago it was a bog."
She said the previous year’s event had the sound of giggling echoing through the valley as people navigated the mire.
She felt the biggest misconception about trail running was that it was much harder than running on the road.
"Trail running is easier on your body, mind and soul."
Dirt tracks had less impact on the body than concrete pavements, and the change in terrain made it less repetitive.
She enjoyed the fact you could stop and eat a snack whenever you wanted which you could not do when you were looping around town.
Trail runners could stop and walk whenever they wanted, which their "runner’s guilt" might not allow them to do when on the road.
The next beginner trail run would be held in Waimate next month.
"The White Horse area is magical, the Waimate community has done so much work on it."
Details for the event — and other future events — would be available at The Frontrunner Timaru.
