Breaking Boundaries: The Women Shaping Irish Trail Running
By Sean Clifford · · Ireland
Elite Women Leading the Charge
The world of Irish trail running is a study in contrasts. On one hand, ‘elite’ women are breaking barriers, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and inspiring a new generation. On the other, the sport still grapples with equitable participation, particularly in ultra-distance events. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, it’s time to spotlight the trailblazing women shaping Irish trail running—and explore what it might take to reach true equality on the trails.
Ireland’s trail running scene boasts an impressive roster of women who are not just competing but excelling. Athletes like Emma Stuart, Lianne Van Dijk, Laura O’Driscoll and Sorcha Loughnane are redefining the sport, often going toe-to-toe with the top men—and sometimes surpassing them as the miles stack up. Lianne Van Dijk, a double winner of the brutal Bauers Megabackyard Funrun (BMF), exemplifies how the longer the race, the stronger women can get. Likewise, Laura O’Driscoll, recently nominated for Woman of the Year, stunned the world by winning the grueling 14-stage Annapurna Himal race in the Himalayas—a 450km odyssey with over 24,000m of climbing. “You have to surrender to whatever situation you find yourself in,” she reflects, embodying the resilience that defines these women.
Then there’s Sorcha Loughnane, who made history by winning the Kerry Way Ultra Lite outright in 2023, setting an explosive new record. Her victory fulfilled a dream long held by Eileen Daly, one of Ireland’s few female race directors, who launched the Kerry Way Ultra 13 years ago. “I always hoped a woman would one day win outright,” Daly says, her excitement palpable as she’s watched more women join the sport.