I’ve been reviewing, and been having to review a lot of trail markers. Like “Mile 14 marker on blablabla trail,” all for the same exact trail. I know these technically “encourage exercise,” but do they by themselves? Or is that the case only when a nomination is for the entirety of the trail, making a single marker not warrant a yes on whether it’s good for exercise?
Hello,
Trail marker act as anchor points for the trail, across the map showing its route.
This is the official clarification.
The marker needs to be clearly linked to a defined set trail.
We can only nominate one marker at a time so it each nomination is assessed as part of the trail.
The nominator should provide some verifiable information that there is a trail/set route.
It is the function of the marker/anchor point that matters.
@elijustrying has already linked the official guidance, which I agree with completely. It makes sense to me that each mile marker or trail marker keeps me moving along the trail. So yes, each one does encourage exercise and exploration in itself.
I’ve recently been subbing a lot of cycle route trail markers, and I can appreciate that it feels a little repetitive – if reviewing them feels so, trust me that subbing them is worse! 
Try to remember that for most people playing, they are simply going to cross the trail. Seeing a stop will alert them to the fact that it exists and will, to some extent, encourage them to try it out – to exercise and explore.
The only people who are going to hit more than one or two of the trail marker waypoints are the people playing games while actively following the trail. For them, the waypoints will actually help them to find their way, assuming they are all given unique names (insofar as is possible).
So yeah, so long as they are real and part of a real trail*, then they ought to be valid submissions.
* Watch out for hand-printed stickers that aren’t part of a real trail and even more egregiously, AI pics. Sadly there’s more and more of both of those now.
Also, genuine stickers that are mislocated away from the trail. As well as stickers that look like genuine ones, which are located away from the trail.
Have any of the UK reviewers seen the recent ones that are the plastic disc type but with holes drilled and fastened with tie wraps?
They do seem to be “on route” but feel strange with most being a “Go Straight On” in Residential areas".
My Skip button is getting a workout 
When subbing then I do make some attempt to do one of more of (a) give a unique name (eg “corner of [name] field”) (b) say something about where this section goes (“up the hill towards the woods”) and (c) what you might see on this section (yeah, that’s sometimes a challenge),
Others have given the clarifications from the Wayfarer team.
I have had experience with nominating (probably) hundreds of trail markers in the woods at various and natural areas. Even the most basic of markers can be eligible as long as the nominator is able to show they were actually placed by a “governing authority” on a permanent trail.
I’ll usually show a trail map or the webpage for whatever government/park/etc… made and manages the trail as part of my supporting information.
I’ve had mixed experience with the more basic ones getting approved by the community, but with just one exception, they all get approved on appeal.
This refers to trails in off-road areas. Those trails on roadways or sidewalks seem to require a higher standard for the community and Wayfarer team to approve.
Just a little side diversion on markers… Why so many?
For off-road trails – especially in wooded areas – many closely spaced markers may be required to keep hikers on the trail, especially if it’s less frequently used and not well-worn. Ideally, you should be able to see the next and previous marker when standing at a marker. in areas where the path is not obvious.