Run for the hills: Getting direct provision residents trail running
Living Running Provision Nolan Members Criu Group Centres Wicklow Up People Trail And Moya In Photo: Dublin In For Set Direct Of Trail
A trail running project for direct provision centres in the east of the country is set to be rolled out to other areas in the new year.
Trail Criú was established in Wicklow and Dublin in October 2023 and involves more than 20 asylum seekers and international protection applicants take to the trails in mountains in the two counties every Tuesday. Trail Criú has recently become affiliated with Athletics Ireland, meaning that its members can join other clubs in other areas of the country if they are moved to other centres.
Chairwoman of the group, Farah Masoed, said it was founded by Alicia Walshe, a US-born trail athlete who now lives in Ireland.
She said: “She moved here and got married to an Irishman and loved the trails but didn’t see many women on the trails and that is why she started the ladies trail running, She Summits. It’s amazing work, what she has done.
"She decided that with the influx of asylum seekers into the country to try to find out more information and she and another lady Maggie Lawler of Simple Strength Leixlip decided to do something.”
She continued: “I actually met Alicia on a trail one day. I like doing it for my own space and time, and for my mental health. I thought it was amazing. We started the Tuesday run at one of the centres in Kippure. This slowly started growing and people saw us on social media.
"We decided to get the people out of the accommodation centre to different trails and we became more visible and other accommodation centres reached out to us to try to get involved. Since then, we have grown. It is really amazing.”
Among the centres which currently has members in the group are Kippure, Newtownmountkennedy, Kilbride and Crooksling. Farah Masoed says the trails of the Dublin and Wicklow mountains have become more than just a place to exercise.
She explained: “They are a place of healing, empowerment, and connection for those we serve. From organizing group runs to creating spaces where participants can share their stories, Trail Criú has become a cornerstone for building community among Ireland’s most marginalized groups.”
Funds are being raised to help get equipment for them and Trail Criú is grateful to people who have also donated equipment and support to the fledgling group.
Farah said: “On that note, Sanctuary Runners has been great. They have given so much advice because they have a brilliant set-up going. They have helped with kit collection and donations and that kind of thing.”
Trail Criú also works closely with Munster Trail Runners and Ms Masoed said the collaborations have been instrumental in broadening the group’s reach and creating meaningful opportunities for participants.
She said: “This is really new to most of the people — maybe 99% of them. With Trail Criú, there is a sense of community and a sense of belonging and that is the main thing.
"People don’t have to rely on this group specifically for trail running but also for help for anything in their personal lives that they go through day by day. They can easily message us if they need help with anything or if they need guidance or assistance with something that they are going through.
“Currently we are trying to spread out in other regions of Ireland but nothing has been confirmed yet. It is so that if people do move, they have another place to go to for trail running. It is definitely in the pipeline.”
She said joining with Athletics Ireland will help to expand their reach even further around the country.
She said: “We have just officially launched as an Athletics Ireland club. With this membership, those in Trail Criú are able to use that membership in the different regions of Ireland, which is a plus for now as they can join other clubs around the country.
"We do it every Tuesday but have a pause on it now until January 15 because of Christmas. We have got so many projects planned for the new year that we cannot discuss yet.”
In November, the group organised an online international summit entitled Breaking Barriers and Building Inclusive Trails dedicated to making trail running more inclusive and accessible for all. Among the line-up of speakers were Mirna Valerio of “Fat Girl Running” fame, Bethan Taylor-Swaine, adaptive athlete Zach Friedley, and Sabrina Pace-Humphreys of Black Trail Runners.
Ms Masoed said: “The summit showcased diverse speakers, including adaptive athletes, advocates for positive aging, and representatives from groups like Sanctuary Runners and Girls on Hills. The virtual platform allowed Trail Criú to connect with an international audience, highlighting the shared values of inclusivity and resilience that define trail running.
“What began as a small collective committed to creating accessible outdoor experiences has grown into a movement.” For more about Trail Criú, visit trailcriu.net.