Keep It Green for Generations to Come: Trail Running Events and the Impact on the Environment

Abstract

Trail running events, which are a form of adventure sport tourism, have been growing in popularity. However, with the influx of trail users, concerns prevail about the impact of these events on the natural environment. In general, sport and nature have a bidirectional relationship, and one cannot exist without the other. Therefore, for sport to remain an integral part of people’s lives and be preserved for future generations, it is imperative that all sport stakeholders, inclusive of patrons of sport and those managing it, accept their ethical responsibility toward nature and find ways to become more environmentally friendly. As such, it is important to educate future leaders of the sport industry about the importance of environmental sustainability and stewardship. Subsequently, this case allows students to (a) examine the relationship between sport and the environment, (b) reflect on how values shape the sport industry, (c) practice ethical decision making, (d) develop a code of conduct for a sport organization, and (e) craft a personal “leadership philosophy” statement.