Trail Criú International Summit: Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusive Trails

Promotional image for "Breaking Barriers & Building Inclusive Trails" online summit by Trail Criú on November 10th from 2 PM to 6 PM. Features eight speakers: Bethan Taylor-Swaine, Zachary Friedley, Graham Clifford, Nancy Kennedy, Mirna Valerio, Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, Kieran O'Callaghan, and Patience Dube.
Smiling man in a suit and green tie with green leaves in the background.
Person with curly hair laughing, seated in a casual indoor setting, holding a microphone, wearing a black shirt with a logo and "SAB" lettering, brick wall background.
Man with long hair and a cap in a forest setting
Person with reddish-brown hair in dark blue jacket against orange background.
Person hiking with trekking poles, mountains in the background.

Join us for the first Trail Criú International Online Summit, an online event dedicated to making trail running more inclusive and accessible for all. Our diverse lineup of speakers will explore barriers related to gender, race, body diversity, and ability in trail running and outdoor spaces.

We’re thrilled to announce a few new speakers joining our lineup! Here’s the full list of speakers and the topics they’ll cover:

What to Expect:
​Our speakers will cover a range of topics that affect access to and inclusivity in trail running, including:

  • Bethann Taylor-Swaine – Women in Trail Running​
    As a trail runner, outdoor educator, and advocate for women’s empowerment, Bethann will discuss the societal and organisational barriers that women face in trail running, from gender inequality and safety concerns to underrepresentation in leadership roles. She’ll share her vision for creating inclusive and supportive environments where women can thrive, along with practical advice on navigating organisational sexism.

  • Sabrina Pace-Humphreys – Racial Diversity in the Outdoors​
    Sabrina, co-founder of Black Trail Runners and a passionate ultrarunner, will address the racial and ethnic barriers that prevent people of colour from feeling fully welcomed in outdoor spaces. She’ll share her experiences with Black Trail Runners and offer insights into the importance of representation, equity, and outreach in trail running.

  • Zachary Friedly – Disability Inclusion in Outdoor Sports​
    An adaptive athlete and advocate for disability inclusion, Zachary will share his journey navigating the physical and societal barriers faced by disabled athletes in trail running. He will discuss accessible trail design, adaptive equipment, and community support as essential elements to making outdoor sports inclusive and welcoming to athletes of all abilities.

  • Mirna Valerio – Body Diversity and Weight Stigma​
    Known as an ultrarunner, author, and body-positive advocate, Mirna will dive into weight stigma and the importance of body diversity in trail running. She’ll address the biases around body size and fitness, sharing how we can foster a more welcoming, body-inclusive community where people of all sizes feel represented and valued.

  • Kieran O'Callaghan – Inclusive Outdoor and Running Groups for the LGBTQ+ Community​
    Kieran is the chairperson of Cork Frontrunners and Briskwalkers. He will discuss the significance of safe and supportive spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes, highlighting the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in outdoor settings and offering ways to make outdoor communities more welcoming and inclusive.

  • Graham Clifford – Integration through Running​
    Graham is the founder of Sanctuary Runners, an organisation that promotes inclusion and solidarity between migrants, asylum seekers, and locals through running. He will discuss the power of running as a tool for integration, sharing the journey of growing Sanctuary Runners from a local initiative to a global movement that fosters belonging and community support.

  • Patience Dube – The Impact of Running in Ireland​
    Patience, a member of Trail CRIÚ, Sanctuary Runners, and She Summits Trail Running, will share her experience of finding community through running. She will speak about the positive impact of trail running in her life, and how inclusive running groups have been a source of connection and empowerment.

  • Nancy Kennedy – Positive Aging and Trail Access for Older Athletes​
    Nancy is the co-founder of Girls on Hills UK, a group that empowers women in mountain running. She will talk about positive aging and visibility for older athletes, emphasising the importance of accessibility and representation for older age groups in trail running. Nancy will share how older athletes can stay active, and how trail running communities can be more inclusive for all ages.

​