Have you heard about 'gravel running'?

Gravel running: rature running reimagined

A new label for a well-known practice

The term gravel running is increasingly circulating in the outdoor world, highlighted by well-known brands like Salomon. Yet the practice itself is nothing new. Runners have long called it nature running or mixed-surface running: routes that combine roads, trails, and dirt paths—away from asphalt but without the steep climbs of traditional trail running.

This change in terminology mainly reflects an evolution in mindset. Gravel running is about running freely, without the constraints of timing or terrain, while prioritizing discovery and connection with nature.

Between road and trail: a balanced terrain

Where road running emphasizes speed and trail running emphasizes technical skill, gravel running occupies a middle ground. On rolling terrain, it retains the fluidity of the stride while allowing runners to enjoy the variety and calm of the paths.

Typical routes?
Farm tracks, forest roads, towpaths, or small country lanes. Mixed terrains that are accessible, where pleasure replaces performance.

Equipment:

• Versatile shoes, capable of gripping loose surfaces without sacrificing comfort,

• A small pack for water and essentials,

• A healthy dose of curiosity to explore new playgrounds!

Another way to explore

Gravel running is also a state of mind. It is not necessarily about breaking a record, but about exploring differently and enjoying the run, no matter your level. Leaving marked trails, stopping to admire a view, improvising a loop… This freedom increasingly appeals to runners seeking meaning and a sense of disconnect.

Where trail running often imposes a competitive or mountainous framework, gravel running falls into a more accessible category: no extreme elevation or specialized gear is needed, just lace up your shoes and go.

An obvious parallel with gravel cycling

It is impossible not to draw a parallel with gravel cycling, whose philosophy resonates with that of gravel running.
Like gravel biking, gravel running is based on the freedom to explore varied terrain and adapt to each route.

Runners alternate between secondary roads, dirt tracks, forest paths, or less frequented trails, choosing their pace according to the terrain and their own preferences. Just like on a bike, each route becomes a small adventure: you can improvise a loop, discover a secluded spot, or simply enjoy the landscape at your own tempo.

Gravel running also shares with gravel biking a blend of performance and exploration. You can adjust your effort, manage your endurance, and test your technique on different surfaces, while keeping the freedom to stop, observe, and simply enjoy nature.

On foot as on a bike, the experience highlights autonomy and the pleasure of charting your own path. To discover the gravel philosophy and try new routes, GravelUp offers gravel biking trips designed to explore new territories freely and immersively.

The return of the simple joy of running

In a running world often saturated with watches, segments, and goals, gravel running brings back the focus on what really matters: the joy of running. You run to see, to feel, to clear your mind. No pressure, no competition, just for the movement.

Perhaps this is why the approach appeals to road runners tired of monotony and trail runners fatigued by technical challenges. Gravel running combines the best of both worlds: the freedom of trail running and the lightness of road running.

A gateway to micro-adventures

More and more runners are incorporating gravel running into their weekend getaways. A few kilometers to reach a village, an improvised loop around a lake, an early-morning exploration of trails…

The concept fits perfectly with the idea of micro-adventures, a way of traveling that is close, simple, and sustainable.

After all, isn’t the greatest adventure sometimes just a few steps from your doorstep?