The 4th edition of EcoTrail Wicklow is set to take place over the last weekend in September 2023. Over the years, the event has attracted participants from all over the world, some with amazing stories. Such story include Luke Grenfell-Shaw, who in 2018 was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, and won the 80k race in record time! (Listen to Luke’s speech as he crossed the line in 2022) Meet below amazing athletes with incredible personal stories that will be present on Bray Seafront on September 30th.
Fatima Painda (Afghanistan/UK)
Because of the war in Afghanistan where dreams are difficult to be pursued, Fatima left her country at age 12 for Pakistan. At 14, and after 7 years apart, Fatima and the rest of her family, were able to reunite with her father and start a new life in England. Her father had struggled his way through Europe to get to the UK to give his children the opportunity to follow their dreams. Fatima is now an NHS nurse, a personal trainer, an avid trail runner and a champion for tolerance and female empowerment. “As a kid, we used to run the mountains around my village in Afghanistan. Trail running brings me back to those happy days”. This is Fatima’s second trip to EcoTrail Wicklow and this year, she is bringing her little sister!
Follow Fatima on Instagram @paindafitness
Hillary Allen (US)
Hillary is Considered one of the best trail runners in the world, Hillary suffered a tragic 150 feet fall off a ridgeline during a Skyrace in Norway. She broke a total of 14 bones and was told that she would never run again. After several years of rehab, recovery, and a persistent belief in herself, Hillary has made a full recovery and returned to elite level racing, running some of the world’s most challenging races. Hillary recently bike-packed 2500km along the West Coast of Ireland. This September, she is back to take on Ecotrail in Bray and cycle around the Wicklow Mountains. Hillary is based in Denver in Colorado USA. She is a professional ultrarunner and endurance athlete, author, inspirational speaker, coach, teacher, and student of life.
Follow Hillary on Instagram: @hillygoat_climbs
Yoann Stuck (FRA)
We met Yoann in March in Paris just before EcoTrail Paris where we launched EcoTrail Wicklow. The following day, Yoann was the first person to cross the finish line of the 80k race at the first floor of the Eiffel Tower! A decade ago, Yoann was overweight, not doing any sport and heavy on the drinks. After one night not remembering where his car was parked, Yoann decided to change his lifestyle and took on running. After dedication, perseverance and a few setbacks, Yoann is now considered one of the top trail runner in France. Yoann recently finished 8th of the 100k/6000+ meters climb race at UTMB in Chamonix this August! This is Yoann’s first trip to Ireland and Wicklow!
Follow Yoann on Instagram: @yoannstuck
For anyone interested, you can follow Luke on Instagram @lukegshaw
EcoTrail Wicklow will be held from the 28th to the 30th of September 2023.
Click here for more info and full planning of events
