MEET BETH, a paediatric ICU nurse and ambassador for the Alpine Run Project who’s as passionate about accessibility in trail running as she is the outdoors. Here’s her why – and how the trail has changed her life.
“Trail running is so much more than running. Nothing brings me more happiness than a morning spent on my home trails, the Malvern hills. I love the adventure, peacefulness, community and growing as a person.”
“Running has transformed my life. I got diagnosed with dyslexia when I was 11, ADHD when I was 20, and had a few different mental health diagnoses along the way. The world can feel pretty overwhelming, but the repetitive steps help my mind settle, while the hills and technical terrain keep my mind entertained.”
“It is the only part of the day that my mind feels a little quieter, the brain fog goes away, and the scattered thoughts clear.”
“I might start the day feeling anxious but by the end of the run, I feel at ease and ready for the day. I think trail running, sport and getting out into nature are great tools that need to be explored for neurodivergent people. Speaking out and opening up space for everyone is a great way to start the movement!”
Beth is part of the Common Ground Insight Network; she participated in our latest research for ASICS – read the case study here.
MEET NATHAN, a commercial photographer working in sports and lifestyle. Here’s his why – and how trail running changed his life.
How did you get into trail photography?
”Through being a keen trail runner. Having photographed as a hobby for many years, I’d never tried shooting sports, so after an opportunity to photograph friends at the Alpine Run Project, I fell in love with capturing the sport. Seeing athletes cover mountainous terrain in such rapid times through the power of their own bodies and human spirit never fails to be awe-inspiring; as well as being immersed in the natural environment. It’s an endless source of wonder.”
What makes the perfect trail shot?
”It’s subjective; each photographer has their own style. An ideal shot for me is where a clear mood or message is present and the frame is arranged in a compositionally pleasing way, whether a mountain shot from afar with a relatively small runner in the evening light, or a tight shot with foreground and background elements framing a part of the subject lit from the side.”
What’s something you’d like to see in trail running photography?
”More appreciation of the art. Celebration of imagery and photographers who pour so much of themselves into their work. The growing trend to treat them like commodities is concerning.”
Tell us something surprising or unusual that you’ve seen on the trail.
”To be honest, there’s nothing that surprises me. I’m usually very focused on executing the brief, and if something out of the ordinary appears, I take it in and accept as part of the fun!”
MEET MAREK, a freelance sports creative and student who has been trail running for 4 years. Here’s what drives him - with freedom playing a big part.
“Trail running brings a sense of freedom. When out in nature, nothing needs to be thought about apart from living in the moment and taking in beautiful surroundings.”
“Trail running has helped me build a career working with sports brands and helping them understand who the Gen Z runner is. It’s massively helped me connect with communities and likeminded individuals who equally enjoy experiencing such adventures - being able to do it with others makes it a whole lot better. I find, though, reflecting on your own company is incredibly powerful at times, too.”
“It would be amazing to see running brands push the idea of trail running on a larger scale. Lots of people still don’t know what it is - I didn’t until I was introduced to it. The more that brands can push the sport, the more people can recognise it, and the positive impacts it can have on your life.”
Beth, Nathan and Marek are part of the Common Ground Insight Network; Nathan shot the images for our latest ASICS case study, and all the photos shown here.
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