TRAIL ADVENTURE GRADES

We believe in every bodies potential and design our trips to be suitable for runners of all abilities and experiences. These are not races or elite training camps, but journeys that give maximum experience and adventure for trail runners seeking something extraordinary.

That said our range of adventures does vary and some are more demanding than others. To help you decide on the right trail running holiday we have graded all our adventures so that you can choose the right one.

The overall grade is defined within a letter of A to D for the technical difficulty which takes into account the terrain, ascent, descent, altitude and climate, together with a scale of 1 to 4 which indicates the level of fitness required. It’s not exact but should help give you an indication as to whether the trip is suitable or not.

Please feel free to contact the team at Pure Trails if you are in doubt as to whether your experience or fitness would match your choice of running adventure.

DIFFICULTY

A (EASY)

Easy-graded trails follow very well-established paths and trails (at times undulating) and routes at low levels of elevation. Low cumulative levels of ascent over the duration of the trip (usually no more than 450 - 500m).

B (MODERATE)

The moderately graded trail runs normally follow well-established trails and routes at lower altitudes which are generally lower than 1,500m. Some of the trails will involve some short, steep ascents. Previous experience is not essential.

C (CHALLENGING)

Challenging graded trail runs feature longer trails which involve some long, steep ascents, as well as steep descents which are away from civilization. The trails we travel on can sometimes reach higher altitudes up to 4,000m and follows rough and more difficult terrain. Previous experience would be advantageous, but not essential.

D (STRENUOUS)

Strenuous trail running days are our hardest grade which routes through difficult terrain often including time at higher altitudes (over 4,500m). You should expect some demanding ascents and descents. The trails are typically away in remoter areas away from civilization.

FITNESS

1 (TRAIL STARTER)

Suitable for slower, sociable-paced runners and manageable by anyone in good health.

2 (INTERMEDIATE)

Suitable for runners who are fit and active and can comfortably run up to 6 - 10 miles per day. The trips involve lots of impromptu stops and our time on the trail will typically be between 3-4 hours per day.

3 (SEASONED)

Suitable for runners who can comfortably be on their feet for up to 4-6 hours per day (including walking). You need to have a good level of running fitness and be able to run up to distances of 20km+ in one push and be able to run back-back (consecutive) days. Some extra training before your trip may be required; previous trail running experience is recommended.

4 (ADVANCED)

Suitable for runners who can run on multiple back-back long days (sometimes up to 6 hours or more including walking). You will need to be physically fit and a confident, experienced trail runner.