Celebrating the Best of Irish Trail Running

The Sports Room Partners with Trail Running Ireland for the Inaugural Trail Running Awards 2025

Irish trail running has never been stronger and in 2025, it’s getting the celebration it truly deserves.

The Sports Room is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Trail Running Ireland to launch the first-ever Trail Running Awards in Ireland, commencing in 2025. This landmark moment recognises the athletes, clubs, brands and events that continue to push boundaries, build community and showcase the very best of trail and mountain running across the island.

Trail Running Ireland has become the country’s go-to independent platform for all things trail and mountain running and beyond. From race reports and athlete stories to coverage of “slightly mad” outdoor adventures, their mission is simple: to help the sport grow with integrity, independence and passion. This inaugural awards programme is a natural next step in celebrating the people who make Irish trail running what it is today.

Award Categories for 2025

The awards span the full spectrum of the trail running ecosystem — from elite international performers to grassroots clubs and inspiring individuals.

Female Trail Runner of the Year

These women have been absolutely smashing the trails, representing Ireland at home and on the world stage. Performances span iconic events such as UTMB, the Kerry Way Ultra Lite, IMRA races, Wicklow’s Ecotrail, Granite Peaks, the Mourne Ultra, the Beara Way Ultra, the World Masters Mountain Running Championships and the U18 International Mountain Running Cup in Slovakia. View the shortlist.

Brand of the Year

Ireland is bursting with innovative trail and outdoor brands that help runners perform at their best - with a strong focus on sustainability, natural materials and performance-enhancing design. This category celebrates the companies supporting the sport from the ground up. View the shortlist.

Event of the Year

From the wild Atlantic coast to rugged mountain ranges and forest trails, Ireland offers an incredible variety of trail events. This category celebrates races across north, south, east and west - and what better way to see the country than on the trails? View the shortlist.

Male Trail Runner of the Year

This category features ultra-runners, Coast to Coast winners, IMRA champions, Irish team members at the World Mountain & Trail Running Championships, Glendalough Tucker Trail winners and European Championship competitors. These athletes have collected medals at events like the Waterville Trail Festival, the Wicklow Way Race, Wicklow’s Ecotrail and Granite Peaks and continue to raise the bar for Irish trail running. View the shortlist.

Most Inspiring Trail Runner

This is the heart of the awards. These runners embody grit, resilience and determination - running through illness, injury and adversity, fundraising for charities, and finding purpose and salvation through trail running. View the shortlist.

Performance of the Year

A showcase of truly powerful and unforgettable performances that inspired the entire community. Choosing a winner here will be no easy task. View the shortlist.

Club of the Year

Trail running in Ireland thrives on community. This category recognises the clubs that foster inclusion, passion and consistency - creating spaces where runners of all abilities can thrive. View the shortlist.

A Shared Passion for the Trails

At The Sports Room, trail running isn’t just something we sell - it’s something we live. Specialising in trail running shoes, clothing and accessories designed to help runners perform at their best, our team are keen trail runners themselves, having recently taken on the iconic UTMB trails around Chamonix.

Partnering with Trail Running Ireland on these inaugural awards felt like a natural fit. Together, we want to celebrate excellence, dedication and community and help shine a spotlight on the people and stories that make Irish trail running so special.

We’re absolutely delighted to sponsor the first-ever Trail Running Awards with Trail Running Ireland and can’t wait to see the winners crowned in early Jan '26.

Here’s to the trails, the community, and the incredible journey ahead.