Running with poles - yes or no?

When it comes to mountain races, you need to constantly make decisions in an effort to achieve the best possible times. Improving your technique on different types of terrain is crucial, and this involves deciding whether to use external accessories such as trekking poles.

The Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB provides a perfect example: some participants use poles while others choose not to. And while whether to use poles or not has always been a subject of debate, the truth is that to make an informed decision, you need to understand their advantages and disadvantages.

What is clear is that using poles is a personal decision and that, as we will see below, whether they are beneficial or not depends on the individual, their goals, and their experience.

Advantages and disadvantages of using poles in trail running

Advantages:

Increased race efficiency. Using poles gives you stability on terrain that requires technical skills or steep slopes. They help to reduce the burden on the legs by distributing it over the whole body, thus conserving more energy overall.

Balance on more challenging terrain. Additional support points mean better stability on uneven or slippery terrain. This helps you maintain good body posture and prevents injuries.

Joint protection. Poles significantly lessen the impact on the joints by distributing the load they would normally carry across the rest of your body. This is a major advantage, especially on steep downhill terrain.

Increased speed. When the poles become your allies, they help you move faster across terrain that requires a specific technique.

Disadvantages:

They can be counterproductive if you haven't mastered the technique. The advantages listed above are only valid if you know how to use the poles correctly. Using them incorrectly, at the wrong height or with an unpolished technique can cause physical discomfort, increase energy expenditure and slow your pace. In other words, if you want to use them, you need to train to master the technique.

Unnecessary on flat terrain. On terrain that doesn't require technical skills, the poles can become uncomfortable to carry.

In conclusion, whether you use poles or not is a matter of personal preference. It will depend on the type of running you do, the type of terrain you run on, and your specific individual objectives. However, if you do choose to use them, it's essential to refine your technique so they don't become a nuisance.

Whatever your choice, the most important thing is to enjoy your time in the mountains. Check Regulations for the restrictions on the use of poles.

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Tenerife Bluetrail by UTMB 2025!