Trail Running Awards 2025: Discover all the winners

The complete list of winners for the second edition of the Trail Running Awards was unveiled on Tuesday, December 9 at the Imperial Palace in Annecy. This ceremony honored the athletes, brands, and initiatives that marked the year 2025, highlighting a steady progression toward greater inclusion, sustainability, and performance within the trail running ecosystem.

Start-up of the Year: Valone

Valone stood out by introducing a fresh approach to the footwear world, centered on responsibility and sustainability. The company won over the jury by proving that technical performance and longevity are not mutually exclusive. Valone was particularly noted for its commitment to the repairability of its trail running shoes, offering replacement options for key components such as the outsole.

Communication Campaign of the Year: SPK

The SPK agency was rewarded for deploying a highly original and creative activation campaign during UTMB Mont-Blanc. The "Laverie by runpack." project was cited for its ability to stand out in a saturated competitive landscape. By turning an everyday location into an editorial and networking hub, the initiative allowed partner brands to express themselves with a strong return on investment and privileged human contact.

Product of the Year: Feelfree Seamless Bra by Compressport

Compressport receives the Product of the Year award for the Feelfree Seamless Bra. This technical product, resulting from development led by, with, and for women, is judged to be fully accomplished. The jury emphasized that its impact goes beyond comfort, as it actively contributes to the development and ease of women's participation in trail running.

Service of the Year: École de Trail

École de Trail was recognized for its mission to structure and make trail running accessible to the greatest number of people. The organization's actions have a direct impact on practitioners as well as instructors. The jury highlighted École de Trail's essential contribution to teaching and spreading a rapidly growing sport.

Environmental Initiative of the Year: Protect Our Winters

Protect Our Winters (POW) was recognized for developing My Event Impact. The jury highlighted the efficiency and utility of this free, simple, and practical tool placed at the service of the community. This tool enables race organizers to take control of their event management and actively commit to their CSR programs, thereby democratizing environmental impact measurement.

Social Initiative of the Year: Club Outdoor Alpin

The Club Outdoor Alpin is recognized for its project "Du Bitume au Sommet – Académie Trail & Inclusion". The jury praised a concrete, inclusive initiative that uses trail running as a powerful lever for the social integration of youth. Dedicated to young people from under-resourced neighborhoods, Club Outdoor Alpin is building the future of trail running by making it accessible and positioning it as a tool for empowerment.

Team of the Year: ASICS

The ASICS Fuji Trail team was praised as a true family embodying the brand's commitment to the segment. The jury highlighted the team's success—marked by a 1-2 finish at UTMB, impressive versatility and diversity of profiles, and a strategy of direct engagement with runners. This award recognizes ASICS' on-the-ground activation approach, notably with the Fujitrail Camp, which focused on an immersive product experience and close proximity to runners in the heart of the alpine events.

Feat of the Year: Rémi Bonnet (Switzerland/Salomon) and Axelle Mollaret Gachet (France/La Sportiva)

These two athletes pushed the boundaries of short, intense exertion. Rémi Bonnet and Axelle Mollaret Gachet were recognized for both breaking the vertical kilometer record this year. Both performances illustrate the growing technicality and speed of the discipline.

Male Athlete of the Year: Jim Walmsley (USA/Hoka)

Jim Walmsley stood out for his versatility. The athlete strategically built his season around the World Championships, delivering a top-tier performance while maintaining a notable presence across various race formats throughout the year. This award honors the American's approach, which is synonymous with discipline and excellence on the circuit.

Female Athlete of the Year: Ruth Croft (New Zealand/Adidas Terrex)

The jury commended Ruth Croft's exceptional performance and complete season, asserting that her victory at UTMB Mont-Blanc was the logical culmination of her dedication and flawless methodical preparation. The New Zealanders thus confirmed her status as a global benchmark in ultra-distance running, crowning a year of impressive consistency.