A question we often get is: is hiking a sport? No, hiking is not a sport because it’s a non-competitive recreational activity. Hiking also lacks rules and regulations by a governing body and does not have competitive events or spectators, so hiking is definitely not a sport.
Why Is Hiking Not A Sport?
The definition of a sport according to Dictionary.com is as follows:
“A sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which a team or individual competes against another for entertainment.”
Additionally, sports typically have governing bodies that make rules and regulations and sports also involve competitive events.
Hiking does not involve teams, rules, regulations, or competitive events, making it an outdoor recreational activity or hobby – not a sport.
What Aspects Of Hiking Make It Similar To A Sport?
Physical Exertion
Just like sports, hiking requires a certain level of physical exertion and fitness to perform.
If you are considering getting into hiking, check out our guides to exercises to give you explosive power for hiking uphill and how to prepare your knees for hiking.
Competition
Some variations of hiking involve competition, and there are hiking records for things like the fastest time completing the Appalachian Trail, but hiking itself does not involve direct competition or scoring of any type.
Skill Level
Hiking does require some skill, just like sports and many other recreational activities.
Entertainment
Although hiking can be personally entertaining, rewarding, and fun, it is not considered a spectator event for others to passively watch.
Can Hiking Be Competitive?
While there are variations on hiking or activities that involve hiking that are directly competitive, hiking itself is not.
What Are Some Similar Activities And Sports Like Hiking?
There are three main activities that involve sports-like and competitive aspects along with the activity of hiking and are sometimes televised:
Trail Running
Trail running is kind of self-explanatory: it’s simply running on trails! You can switch between running and walking sa yoru physical needs and safety dictates, and trail runners often time themselves and compete with others.
Adventure Racing
Adventure racing (aka expedition racing) involves racing over an unmarked wilderness course that involves multiple activities like hiking, mountain biking, and paddling.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a type of outdoor activity that involves “treasure hunting” using a GPS device to find hidden containers called geocaches.
Sometimes these geocaches are in nature, and may involve hiking on trails to reach them.
Is Hiking A Sport? Wrapping Things Up
Ultimately, hiking is not a sport but rather a hobby that involves physical exertion and some level of skill.
There are many variables in hiking from the length of your hike, the hiking trail itself, the weather you hike in, and the conditions that make it an extremely scalable activity that provides endless challenges.
Do you think hiking is a sport? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below!