Trail running is an exciting new development that could greatly boost interest in running in Mosgiel, former Athletics Taieri president Rob Urquhart says.
Urquhart, of Mosgiel, has been inspired after taking part in a recent 10km night run at Wild Horse Mountain, about 70km northeast of Brisbane, Australia.
''It was a real eye-opener and thoroughly enjoyable.
''It was enthralling, with the exuberance of the runners keeping the momentum going through the unknown surroundings. The marshalls were so encouraging,'' he said.
Mr Urquhart (67) convenes the winter running and walking group at Athletics Taieri, and is also a former president of Athletics Otago.
He was surprised and delighted by the popularity of trail running in Queensland.
Runners used helmet lamps to guide them during the run he took part in, after being brought along by one of his daughters, Jane Gallagher.
She lives in Australia and is a keen trail runner.
And he believes trail running could have a transformative effect in Mosgiel and wider Dunedin, giving running a much-needed boost and encouraging more people to get involved in outdoor exercise.
Since returning from his Australian visit, he has already suggested to Athletics Otago that trail running could significantly boost Dunedin's running prospects, and had received a positive response.
''I'm so enthusiastic about this type of event.
''I see a lot of scope for it around Dunedin. We have access to so much off-road running,'' he said.
Trail running did not have to involve running in mountains, or events at night, and there were many tracks in areas near Mosgiel, including Whare Flat and Outram, and various forest areas, where events could be held.
The overall number of participants in running clubs and traditional running events in Dunedin was dwindling, and veteran runner numbers were also falling.
But many people in Mosgiel enjoyed walking and jogging, and he is keen to attract more of them to Athletics Taieri, which co-ordinates both walking and running activities.
He believed that Athletics Taieri and other athletics groups could also benefit from taking a leaf out of the Australian book and getting involved in trail running on the Taieri and elsewhere.
Trail running brought people close to nature, and took them to places they might not normally visit.
People were welcome to walk if they preferred.
Various distances were available, and the focus was on friendship and enjoyment, rather than elite competition and winning at all costs.
