Outdoor Alliance is thrilled to announce that Runners for Public Lands has joined the coalition as its newest member organization. Runners for Public Lands joins nine of the country’s most powerful organizations. These groups advocate for human-powered outdoor recreation and work together to protect public lands and waters.
As trail running continues to grow in popularity across the country, runners have emerged as an increasingly important constituency for public lands. From local trail systems to national forests, parks, and public lands, runners rely on healthy, accessible landscapes. They are often among their most dedicated stewards and advocates.
The addition of Runners for Public Lands strengthens Outdoor Alliance’s collective voice and expands the coalition’s ability to engage outdoor enthusiasts in public lands conservation and advocacy. In addition, the organisations will work together to ensure that public lands remain protected, accessible, and well-managed for current and future generations.
“Trail runners build deep connections to public lands through daily use, stewardship, and community,” said Kat Baker, Executive Director of Runners for Public Lands. “Our community understands that the places we run are not guaranteed—they require care, investment, and advocacy. We are excited to join Outdoor Alliance and work alongside other outdoor recreation organizations to level up our ability to protect the trails and public lands that make these experiences possible.”
Outdoor Alliance represents a broad coalition of human-powered recreation communities, including climbers, paddlers, mountain bikers, backcountry skiers, hikers, surfers, and now trail runners. Together, the coalition works to advance policies that protect public lands, expand recreation access, and strengthen stewardship. It also ensures that outdoor recreation remains a priority in public land management.
“Runners experience public lands in a uniquely direct way. They build deep connections to trails, forests, deserts, mountains, and local parks through daily use and stewardship,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of Outdoor Alliance. “Runners for Public Lands has done an exceptional job turning that connection into advocacy, and we’re excited to welcome them to the Outdoor Alliance coalition. Their leadership will strengthen our collective voice and help ensure that the people who love these places are helping shape their future.”
The addition of Runners for Public Lands comes at a pivotal moment for America’s public lands. Outdoor recreation continues to grow, contributing more than $1 trillion annually to the U.S. economy. It also engages millions of Americans in outdoor experiences. At the same time, public lands face increasing challenges ranging from funding shortfalls and maintenance backlogs to development pressures and threats to public access.
By bringing together diverse outdoor recreation communities under a shared vision, Outdoor Alliance helps ensure that the people who use and value public lands have a strong voice in the decisions that shape their future. The addition of trail runners further strengthens that effort. It reflects the growing role that outdoor recreationists play in conserving America’s public lands and waters.
