Trail Criú is volunteer lead running and advocacy group focused on participation and inclusion in trail and mountain running. The organisation states that equal treatment alone does not always result in equitable participation, and that differing circumstances and needs may require structural measures to enable meaningful access to sport. Trail Criú describes this approach as prioritising equity over equality, emphasising policy and governance changes rather than reliance on ad-hoc or informal support.

As part of this work, Trail Criú identifies advocacy and engagement with governing bodies as central to its aims and has sought changes intended to support sustained participation through formal provisions. In this context, the organisation submitted proposals to the Irish Mountain Running Association relating to participation and inclusion, with the stated aim of embedding such measures within existing systems rather than depending on discretionary or voluntary arrangements.

Proposal to IMRA on participation and inclusion

Submitted: 25 June 2024
Submitted by: Trail Criú

Background and purpose

Trail Criú is a community-focused organisation that promotes physical fitness, mental well-being, and social integration through trail running. The organisation works with people seeking international protection and supports their participation in trail running events in Ireland.

Trail Criú submitted this proposal to IMRA with the aim of identifying practical, sustainable measures that could support broader participation in trail and mountain running while aligning with IMRA’s volunteer-led structure.

Proposal 1: Sponsored race entries for participants facing financial barriers

Trail Criú proposed that IMRA support participation by covering race entry fees for a limited number of participants who face financial barriers to participation.

Proposed scope

  • Sponsorship of three race entries for five races (15 entries in total)

  • Entry fees typically ranging from €7 to €25 per race

  • Estimated total cost: €105–€375

Trail Criú proposed that administrative processes be designed to minimise additional workload for volunteers and to avoid the need to identify or record individuals’ economic status. Suggested approaches included voucher-based registration or other mechanisms that could be implemented centrally.

Proposal 2: Inclusive event focused on visibility and participation

Trail Criú proposed the organisation of an IMRA-supported event intended to highlight participation by people seeking international protection and others new to Ireland.

Key elements

  • An open, inclusive trail running event

  • Standard safety measures consistent with IMRA events

  • Outreach and promotion aimed at encouraging participation from under-represented groups

  • Consideration of inclusive logistics, such as appropriate refreshments

Trail Criú stated its willingness to contribute volunteer support to event planning and delivery in collaboration with IMRA volunteers.

Proposal 3: Establishment of an Inclusion and Equity Fund

Trail Criú proposed the creation of an Inclusion and Equity Fund linked to race registration, similar to optional contribution models used in other sporting contexts.

Objectives

  • Support race participation for under-represented groups

  • Fund initiatives aimed at increasing diversity and inclusion

  • Operate with transparent governance and reporting

Trail Criú suggested that contributions be optional and that the fund be administered with clear annual reporting on usage and impact.

Rationale

Trail Criú stated that financial cost represents a significant barrier to participation for people seeking international protection, particularly for individuals who are not permitted to work and rely on limited weekly allowances. The organisation emphasised that reducing structural barriers to participation would support long-term engagement, volunteering, and integration within the trail running community.

Commitment

Trail Criú acknowledged that IMRA is a volunteer-led organisation and stated its intention to assist with implementation and coordination where appropriate. The organisation expressed a willingness to collaborate constructively to identify solutions that are practical, proportionate, and sustainable.

Following engagement regarding this proposal, Trail Criú clarified several aspects of its position to IMRA.

Trail Criú reiterated that its proposals were intended to minimise additional administrative burden on volunteers and to avoid identifying or recording individuals’ economic status. The organisation stated that it did not consider the provision of sponsored race entries to require the collection of sensitive personal data, noting that participant registration details are already held by IMRA for membership and insurance purposes.

Trail Criú further stated that its proposals were designed to apply broadly to individuals facing financial barriers, rather than to a single organisation, and that it would welcome the development of mechanisms applicable across under-represented groups.

With regard to technical implementation, Trail Criú noted that alternative registration or voucher-based systems have been used in other contexts and suggested that such approaches could reduce manual workload over time.

Trail Criú emphasised that its intention was to work collaboratively with a volunteer-led organisation and to identify solutions that are proportionate, transparent, and sustainable.

This proposal is published by Trail Criú as a record of engagement and advocacy relating to participation and inclusion in trail and mountain running.