Code of Conduct
Creating accountable, inclusive spaces where all BIPOC trail runners can thrive
Our Mission
Tierra Libre Run builds community where BIPOC trail runners thrive. We create spaces for authentic connection, share resources, and support each other's growth on the trails and beyond.
This Code of Conduct applies everywhere we gather—online platforms, group runs, races, mentorship meetings, and any space representing our community. We welcome all BIPOC runners, including queer, trans, immigrant, and disabled community members.
Our Values
Representation
BIPOC runners deserve to see themselves leading in trail running. We amplify diverse voices and celebrate all our stories, especially centering queer, trans, immigrant, and disabled BIPOC runners.
Community
Trail running is better together. We build real relationships through shared miles and honest conversations.
Access
Money shouldn't determine who gets to race. We remove barriers and fund opportunities for runners who need support.
Mentorship
We share knowledge, encouragement, and practical advice. Everyone learns from someone, everyone teaches someone.
Land Respect
We honor Indigenous heritage on every trail and practice Leave No Trace principles everywhere we run.
Growth
Every runner starts somewhere. We meet people where they are and support their journey forward, recognizing the unique challenges faced by immigrants, first-generation runners, and those new to outdoor spaces.
How We Build Community
Here's what you can expect when you join our community and how we support each other:
On the Trails
- Support for ALL Paces: We wait for slower runners at trail junctions and ensure everyone has someone to run and chat with
- Celebrate Everyone: Every finish time matters, whether you're first place or back of pack. Showing up is the victory
- Safety First: We share local trail knowledge, safety tips, and make sure no one gets left behind in unsafe situations
In Conversations
- Respect Identity: Use the names and pronouns people share with you—if you're unsure, it's okay to ask politely
- Listen to Learn: Listen more than you speak, especially about others' experiences of trail running and life
- Ask with Care: Ask questions to understand, not to challenge someone's reality or lived experience
- Honor Privacy: Keep personal stories confidential unless given clear permission to share
In Our Community
- Center BIPOC Voices: We prioritize BIPOC perspectives in discussions about trail running, equity, and community building
- Make Space: If you speak up often, make room for quieter voices. If you rarely share, we want to hear from you
- Growth Mindset: Accept feedback gracefully when someone points out harm—we're all learning
- Impact Over Intent: Focus on how actions affect others, not just what you meant to do
Community Boundaries
These behaviors harm our community and are not tolerated:
Harassment & Discrimination
- • Discriminatory comments about race, gender, sexuality, religion, ability, or body size
- • Sexual harassment of any kind
- • Following someone who's asked for space
- • Deliberately using wrong names or pronouns
- • Hate speech, slurs, or derogatory language targeting any group
- • Erasing or dismissing intersectional experiences within the BIPOC community
- • Discriminatory comments about immigration status, accent, or English proficiency
- • Questioning someone's "authenticity" based on mixed-race identity, skin tone, or cultural expression
Disruptive Behavior
- • Dominating conversations or refusing to let others speak
- • Sharing others' personal information without permission
- • Centering yourself when others are sharing their experiences, especially about racism, transphobia, homophobia, or other forms of discrimination
- • Demanding "proof" when someone describes discrimination they've faced, especially regarding intersectional experiences
- • Outing someone's LGBTQ+ status, immigration status, or other personal information
- • Disrupting community events or online discussions
Trail & Event Behavior
- • Leaving slower runners behind in unsafe situations
- • Damaging trails or leaving trash (violating Leave No Trace)
- • Unsolicited comments about others' pace, gear choices, or race results
- • Promoting diet culture or making food rules for others
- • Body shaming or commenting on eating habits, especially targeting cultural foods or dietary practices
- • Making assumptions about someone's fitness level, running experience, or outdoor knowledge based on their identities
Access & Inclusion
Trail running should be for everyone. We work to remove barriers through:
How We Create Access
- Financial Support: Race entries, gear, and travel funding through our Athlete Fund
- Clear Communication: We use plain language and explain trail running terms for newcomers
- Digital Accessibility: Our content works with screen readers and other assistive technologies, and we provide translation support when possible
- Custom Solutions: We problem-solve accommodations together when you need support, recognizing that queer, trans, immigrant, and disabled BIPOC runners may face unique barriers
Need accommodations to participate? Email team@tierralibrerun.org. We're here to figure it out together.
Honoring the Land
Every trail we run has been stewarded by Indigenous communities for thousands of years. We honor this by:
Land Stewardship Commitments
- Learn Local History: We educate ourselves about the Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands we run on
- Support Indigenous Runners: We actively include and support Indigenous athletes through our programs
- Leave No Trace: We practice trail stewardship principles on every run—pack out trash, stay on trail, respect wildlife
- Amplify Voices: We center Indigenous perspectives in conversations about land use and environmental justice
When Things Go Wrong
If someone's behavior makes you uncomfortable or violates these guidelines, please let us know. Every report helps us build a better community.
Reporting & Response
How to Report
- Email: safety@tierralibrerun.org
- At events: Find any team member wearing a Tierra Libre Run shirt
- Online: Use platform report features or message moderators directly
In an emergency: Call 911 or local emergency services first.
What We'll Do
- • Respond within 24 hours (immediately for urgent situations)
- • Investigate thoroughly and fairly
- • Take action to stop harmful behavior
- • Support the person who was harmed
- • Follow up to ensure the situation is resolved
Consequences
Depending on the situation, consequences may include:
Community Conversation
Discussion about impact and expectations for minor issues or first-time problems. We believe in education and growth when possible.
Temporary Break
1 week to 6 months away from community spaces for repeated or serious violations. Time to reflect and demonstrate changed behavior.
Permanent Removal
Banned from all community spaces for severe violations or pattern of harmful behavior. Community safety comes first.
We prioritize education and accountability, but the safety of our community members comes first.
Growing Together
This Code of Conduct evolves as our community grows. We welcome your feedback on how to make these guidelines more effective and inclusive for all BIPOC runners, including our queer, trans, immigrant, and disabled community members.
Join the Conversation
Email us at team@tierralibrerun.org with suggestions, questions, or stories about how these guidelines work in practice.
Last updated: July 2025
Inspired by: Disability justice principles (Sins Invalid), adrienne maree brown's work, and community frameworks from Black In Neuro and Game Devs of Color Expo.
Questions or Concerns?
We're here to support our community. If you have questions about these guidelines or need to report an issue, don't hesitate to reach out.