Inclusion and Diversity in Irish Mountain Running
In the rugged landscapes of Ireland's mountains, a transformation is taking place. Irish mountain running is evolving from a sport dominated by a homogeneous group to one that welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms. At Trail Criu, we are proud to be at the forefront of this change, working tirelessly to ensure that Irish mountain running truly reflects the rich tapestry of contemporary Irish society.
Our Vision for Irish Mountain Running
The mountains don't discriminate, and neither should we. We firmly believe that Irish mountain running belongs to everyone—regardless of socioeconomic background, nationality, gender identity, religious beliefs, or physical ability. Our commitment extends to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, including those living in direct provision. The exhilaration of traversing Ireland's beautiful trails and summits should be an experience accessible to all who wish to participate.
Beyond Tokenism
Our commitment to diversity in Irish mountain running extends far beyond tokenism or superficial inclusion. We are actively working to dismantle the systemic barriers that have historically made Irish mountain running inaccessible to many. This isn't about ticking boxes or creating photo opportunities—it's about fundamentally transforming the culture of Irish mountain running.
Through Trail Criu, participants find not just physical activity, but genuine belonging and friendship. The connections formed on the trails transcend social divisions, creating communities where people from all backgrounds can share experiences and build meaningful relationships. In this way, Irish mountain running becomes a powerful vehicle for social cohesion and understanding.
The Origins of Our Movement
Alicia Christofi-Walshe, Maggie Lawler and Sarah Flynn coordinated the first months of Trail Criú. They are now joined by Farah Masoed and a team of club members in the governance of the group. The seeds of Trail Criu were planted through She Summits Trail Running, an initiative founded by Alicia when she observed a significant gender disparity in Irish mountain running, with women vastly underrepresented on the trails. However, her vision extended beyond merely increasing female participation. She recognised that true diversity in Irish mountain running meant reaching women from all backgrounds, not just those from the middle-class white majority that typically dominated the sport.
This realisation sparked a broader mission: to challenge and transform the traditional structures that have upheld exclusivity in Irish mountain running. We believe that diversity enriches the experience for everyone, bringing new perspectives, traditions, and energy to Irish mountain running communities.
Breaking Down Barriers
Traditional Irish mountain running has often unconsciously perpetuated systems of privilege—from prohibitive equipment costs to events held in locations inaccessible by public transport, from marketing that fails to represent diverse participants to social environments that feel unwelcoming to newcomers from different backgrounds.
Trail Criu actively works to identify and dismantle these barriers. We provide equipment libraries, organise transportation to trails, create multilingual resources, and foster a culture where everyone's presence in Irish mountain running is celebrated, not merely tolerated.
Developing Future Leaders
Sustainable change requires new voices in leadership positions. Our Trail Leaders Programme identifies and nurtures leadership potential in participants from underrepresented communities, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and networks to become the future faces of Irish mountain running. Through mentorship, technical training, and community engagement opportunities, we're creating pathways for diverse leadership that will continue to transform Irish mountain running for generations to come.
Our Collaborative Approach
Creating lasting change in Irish mountain running requires collaboration. Trail Criu works closely with advocacy agencies that support marginalised communities, local sports partnerships that provide resources and infrastructure, Mountaineering Ireland for guidance and governance, and various outdoor groups that share our commitment to inclusivity.
Through these partnerships, we've developed programmes specifically designed to introduce Irish mountain running to communities that have historically been excluded or underrepresented. These initiatives go beyond simple introduction—they aim to empower participants to become leaders and advocates within Irish mountain running themselves.
Join us as we redefine what Irish mountain running can be—a space of true belonging, friendship, and community for all.