With summer officially begun and the Fourth of July weekend coming up next week, most folks are ready to get outdoors and enjoy the long daylight hours, fresh air and balmy weather. I happen to live in a part of the country where one doesn’t have to go far from home to have a slew of options for any activity level or interest: boating, fishing, golfing, hiking, mountain climbing, water skiing, paragliding . . . you name it, we probably got it! I recently came across an article in the “Outdoors” section of our local paper which identified another option: supported trail running. These are multiday trips planned and guided by an outfitter, appealing to distance and trail runners who enjoy getting out in the backcountry but may not be familiar with the area and don’t want to worry about hauling gear. (There’s also the option of simply hiking, not running, the trails — sometimes referred to as “slackpacking.”) The Rogue River boasts a 40-plus-mile stretch of designated Wild and Scenic waterway, accessible only by raft or trail and offering Class III and Class IV whitewater. Momentum River Expeditions as well as Orange Torpedo Trips and Rogue River Journeys offer special supported, lodge-to-lodge trail running trips lasting three days and covering just over 40 miles of ground. Runners’ gear is hauled on rafts; experienced running guides share the trail with the clients; and should an old injury flare up or a new one develop, runners can opt to ride the raft. Day’s end brings a warm bed and hot shower at a remote river lodge — plus the promise of a cold beer and a good meal. Dedicated runners can find similar offerings from outfitters across the country and around the globe. Adventure Running offers trips along the Appalachian Trail and along the Wonderland Trail on Mt. Rainier in Washington state. Further afield, one can run in the Dolomites, the Alps, in South Africa and South America, all while admiring stunning scenery and without the hassle of planning and logistics. Wherever your travels take you this summer, and whether you’re donning running shoes, hiking boots or flippers, may you enjoy the great outdoors! — Patty Vanikiotis, associate editor/copy editor