Larson, Keith

A firefighter for Moraga Orinda Fire District injured his left ankle and left foot while trail running on Mount Burdell to maintain physical fitness for wildland fire duty. The WCJ found the injury arose out of and in the course of employment, and defendant sought reconsideration arguing applicant failed to prove his subjective belief that off-duty trail running was objectively reasonable under Labor Code section 3600(a)(9). The WCAB adopted the WCJ's Report and denied reconsideration, applying the two-part Ezzy test (subjective belief plus objective reasonableness). The Board concluded that physical fitness was indisputably required for the job, applicant subjectively believed off-duty exercise was expected, that belief was objectively reasonable, and the employer derived a direct benefit from his fitness. The injury was therefore compensable and not barred by section 3600(a)(9).