Running wild: Forest running enhances performance, enjoyment, mood, and future exercise intentions.

Background and objectives: Physical inactivity remains widespread despite the well-established physical and mental health benefits of regular physical activity (PA). There is an urgent need for strategies that increase both uptake and long-term adherence. The Methodology: Forty-seven healthy adults (16 females) completed a randomized, counterbalanced crossover trial. Participants undertook a 30-min self-paced run in both a forest and an urban environment at a prescribed exertion level (rate of perceived exertion = 4/10). Performance (distance run, heart rate) and markers of intention to perform future PA (enjoyment, mood, short-, and long-term intention) were assessed. Results: Participants covered significantly greater distance in the forest condition ( Conclusions and implications: Forest-based running was associated with improved performance, enjoyment, mood, and motivation for future PA, relative to urban running, without an increase in physiological strain. These findings reveal that natural environments offer a promising and scalable approach to addressing physical inactivity and improving population health. Further research is required to determine the environmental drivers, the feasibility, accessibility, and long-term effects across diverse and inactive populations.