An Expert Jury to Celebrate Innovation, Impact and Performance
MARIanne Hogan
A professional ultra-trail athlete with Team Salomon, Marianne Hogan has made a name for herself at the pinnacle of global endurance racing with five major podium finishes at the legendary Western States 100 and UTMB Mont-Blanc.
Known for her tenacity, her youthful energy, and her disarming sincerity in the face of extreme physical exertion, she brings to the Trail Running Awards jury the clear-eyed, discerning, and passionate perspective of a world-class runner.
Boris Ghirardi
An amputee athlete and pioneer in sports inclusion, Boris Ghirardi is the founder of the nonprofit Level Up – Beyond Limits and the manager of Team Adaptive by UTMB.
By making the starting lines of major events such as the UTMB Mont-Blanc and the Maxi-Race more accessible, he turns pushing one’s limits into a concrete catalyst for action and provides the Trail Running Awards jury with a vital voice on issues of societal impact, innovation, and resilience.
Valentin Genoud
Valentin Genoud, Director of Sports & Experience and a member of the Sierre-Zinal executive committee since 2015, oversees the event’s governance, the hospitality for elite athletes, and the fan experience.
A teacher and mountain enthusiast, he brings to the Trail Running Awards jury a keen strategic eye that balances respect for mountain heritage with the high standards of international events.
BENJAMIN THALLER
Benjamin Thaller is a brand strategy and communication expert, currently working as a freelancer and trail runner in his spare time.
He previously held key roles in the sports and outdoor industry, particularly in trail running, including Executive Director of Outdoor Sports Valley, Marketing Director at Julbo, and Brand Manager at Salomon.
