EXPLORE THE LOVE TRAILS
2025 LINE-UP

Adrain D'Costa is the founder of the The Running Room, a London-based physiotherapy and coaching clinic dedicated to helping runners move well, train smart, and stay injury-free. 

Founded with a clear mission, to make expert care more accessible, inclusive, and human; the clinic has grown into a trusted hub for runners of all levels, from first-time joggers to experienced marathoners.

Located in East and South-West London, The Running Room offers a range of services tailored specifically for runners, including physiotherapy, strength and rehab programmes, one-to-one coaching, gait analysis, and workshops. Every service is grounded in a deep understanding of both the physical and mental demands of the sport, with a strong focus on prevention, recovery, and performance.

What sets The Running Room apart is its runner-first approach. Rather than offering generic rehab or cookie-cutter training plans, the team works collaboratively with each client to build personalised solutions that reflect their goals, challenges, and lived experience. It's a place where runners feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger.

But The Running Room is more than just a clinic, it's a growing community. Through education, partnerships, and purpose-led initiatives, the team is actively working to break down barriers in running and create space for underrepresented voices. Whether it's leading programmes for runners of colour, hosting inclusive group runs, or collaborating with brands, The Running Room is redefining what a modern running clinic can be.

From the treatment table to the start line, The Running Room is here to support the full running journey; one stride, one story, and one strong finish at a time.

Alanna is the co-founder of Arc Community, a contrast therapy wellness centre in London with a focus on holistic practices and traditional sauna ritual. She is also a holistic health expert, and a neuroscientist specializing in psychedelics. Her research focuses on psilocybin’s effects on the brain, particularly in learning, memory, and the treatment of chronic stress and inflammation. Alanna has been a trailblazer in integrate healthcare models for peak human optimization, longevity, and quality of life. 

For over a decade, she has taught breathwork, meditation, and yoga, integrating scientific research on longevity with ancient healing practices. Her multidimensional approach—rooted in body-mind awareness and expanded consciousness—guides communities through transformative classes, workshops, and retreats, helping individuals align with both the natural world and their personal evolution. With deep expertise in somatic therapy, 

Alanna empowers people to regulate their nervous systems and cultivate a profound connection to the heart, mind, and nature.

Alpine Run Project is an initiative set up by elite athlete John McAvoy and designed by Youth Beyond Borders. The movement is fuelled by a diverse youth community from inner cities across the UK, who advocate for the inclusivity of trail running so more 16-23 year olds can take up space in the sport.  

Andrew Thomas Price is a television presenter, motivational coach and speaker, Bushcraft and survival Instructor, Mountain leader adventurer and naturalist. 

Navigating the balance between the call of adventure and the responsibilities of fatherhood.

Ben Martynoga is a biologist and award-winning science writer. After a decade at the leading edge of neuroscience and genome research, he swapped his white coat for a pen. Since then he has written about everything from the latest tech innovations to rewilding, running, stress, creativity, microbes and the history of science. His writing appears in the Guardian, New Statesman, The i, the Financial Times and beyond. 

In 2023 he launched the award-winning Explodapedia book series, introducing young readers to biology’s biggest ideas. His books The Gene and Rewild were awarded the Association of Science Educators ‘Book of The Year’ in 2023 and 2024, respectively. An engaging speaker, he shares his passion for science and its impacts with audiences of all ages.

Ben is currently working on a popular science book for adults, No Small Matter: The New Science and Unseen Power of the Earth’s Microbiome. A keen runner, he lives, works, wanders and wonders in the Lake District.

Charlie Dark MBE is a poet, DJ, community builder, and the founder of the influential running collective Run Dem Crew.

Originally created as an alternative to traditional running clubs, Run Dem has grown into a global movement—reshaping urban running culture and inspiring a new generation of runners around the world. With a focus on community, creativity, and mental wellbeing, its impact stretches far beyond the streets of London.

Charlie is a Global Ambassador for lululemon, a celebrated public speaker, and a passionate advocate for inclusion and mental health in sport. In 2023, he was awarded an MBE for services to running, community and young people, recognising decades of work breaking down barriers and building spaces where people feel seen, safe, and supported.

With a background in music and spoken word, Charlie brings a unique energy to every space he enters—whether he’s leading a run, hosting a conversation, or DJing a late-night set. His mission is simple but powerful: to show that running is for every body, empowering everyone it touches and a beautiful way to bring people together. 

Love Trails is a unique chance to combine both of his running and deejaying passions together. 

Born and raised in the Lake District fells, Charlie Mackenzie is an ultra runner who has traded the Cumbrian mountains for the urban landscapes of London. 

By his own admission, Charlie is someone who needs to escape the fast pace of the city every once in a while and has found running as the perfect excuse to get out and explore different parts of the country, and the world. 

His greatest achievement in running to date is completing a 250km ultramarathon through the Sahara Desert, the Marathon des Sables. 

As Charlie’s journey in running has developed, he’s found he gets as much energy from seeing his fellow runners achieve their goals as he does his own. 

This has led to him, alongside his brother Robin, co-founding Mackyard Events, a running events company that fills the void between the city and the trails, all within touching distance of the capital.

Caroline Williams is a science writer and former feature editor for New Scientist specialising in neuroscience, psychology and the mind-body connection. The author of Override, Move! and Inner Sense, she has also writtern for the Times, Telegraph and Guardian among many others, and has featured on BBC radio.

David Starley is a Cornwall-based Ultra Runner, founding member of The Green Runners, and sustainability expert. 

David holds several Fastest Known Times and has a couple of local trail race wins to his name. Now coached by the legendary Damian Hall, he is taking on the Plague 100km with an aim to get the Green Runners badge on the podium. 

In his day job David is Group Climate Lead for a FTSE250 engineering company, and was selected for the Edie 30 under 30 sustainability leaders in 2023.
For David, there is an intrinsic connection between trail running and caring for our environment. This led him to help launch The Green Runners, a community making changes for a fitter planet. Other founding members include elite British runners Jasmin Paris, Damian Hall, and Dan Lawson.

Since launching on Earth Day in April 2022, The Green Runners have empowered thousands of runners across the world to make individual pledges, and launched collective campaigns including the high profile DUtMB challenge against Dacia’s title sponsorship of the UTMB which made waves in the ultra community.

David will inspire you to combine running with purpose, in the pursuit of a fitter planet.

Deo Kato made history by becoming the first person to run from Cape Town, South Africa, to London, England, completing the journey in 518 days.

A Ugandan-born British runner and activist, Deo spent 18 months running this route to highlight the historic story of human migration from Africa to the rest of the world. He covered a distance equivalent to more than 313 marathons.

Deo traversed 21 countries and 2 continents throughout his journey, covering 13,297 kilometres (8,262 miles) with an elevation gain of 100,806 meters. He ran through deserts and grasslands, reaching an elevation over ten times Mount Everest's height. He aimed to demonstrate to the next generation that nothing is impossible and highlight the significance of humanity's origins on Earth. Deo has said: 

"I hope that this challenge will help tell the true story of Human Migration and to show that representation matters. In highlighting the origins of migration, I want to challenge the racist notion that people should 'go back to where they come from'. The best thing we can do is leave the world a little better because of our existence, creating our legacy and lasting footprint".

Leading professional trail runner with The North Face team since 2022. Elsey works part time as a GP (fully qualified from March 2025). Living in Cornwall with her wife and newborn son Victor she switched from road running to trail running during the covid pandemic discovering her love and joy for trails as a stress reliever whilst working on the Covid wards in Manchester. Since making the making the switch from the road, she has become on of the most dominant runners of the current generation with 7 wins, 10 podiums and multiple course records and winter FKT for the famous Bob Graham Round.

Presenter and lover of a good story, Ellen is hosting Love Trails 2025 inspirational speakers and workshops. 

Having worked with the Love Trails team before in the background, Ellen is jumping on stage this year to dive deeper with our awe-inspiring guests. Big epic landscapes and adventures fill her soul, while asking loads of questions and chatting with others is my favourite thing to do. 

Ellen will spark ideas, conversations and questions. Sit back and listen with her as we feed your adventurous minds with our speakers.

Emma Wilkinson is a freelance journalist, podcaster and author who writes mainly about health and medicine. Her co-authored book Ultra Women: The trailblazers defying sexism in sport was published by Canbury in May. Emma took up running in her early 20s then after having three children found her stride with ultra events. Turns out while she had never been very fast she had plenty of stamina. Based in Sheffield she has no choice but to embrace the hills and feels pretty lucky to have the amazing Peak District trails on her doorstep.

Esme Arkinstall is a passionate runner and adventurer whose love for the outdoors has driven her to explore some of the most breathtaking trails and landscapes around the world. Known for her high energy and determination, Esme has become an inspiring figure in the running community, motivating others to embrace the joy of movement and the beauty of nature.

From an early age, Esme found solace and strength in running, discovering a deep connection to the rhythm of her footsteps and the world around her. Her journey has been defined by a series of incredible running adventures, with a focus on journeys best shared with the friends you take with you, and the ones you meet along the way. 

Through her social media, she shares her experiences of overcoming challenges, embracing vulnerability, and finding joy. Esme’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of running and the importance of pursuing one’s passions with heart and dedication.

Eva Humphries, MSc, DipION, mBANT, CNHC, is a leading BANT registered nutritionist with a
refreshingly down-to-earth approach to nourishing food.
Forget everything you think you know about nutrition, do away with the notion of calories and consider a thought-provoking perspective that focuses on the addition of delicious foods.

Eva’s approach to nutrition is just that, a relaxed culmination of science-backed ideas that work to
improve how we feel every day but without worrying about “bad” foods or restrictions.

Her creative angle means she speaks less about avocado on toast and focuses more on things
that matter, such as ‘what to eat for better sleep’, ‘how to have more energy’ and ‘what to put on
our plates to feel good’.
Eva runs a busy nutrition clinic focused on helping individuals feel amazing through food.

Her science-backed quotes are often featured in the media, including prestigious publications
such as The Telegraph, The Times, Women’s Health and many others.
Elsewhere, Eva facilitates wellbeing talks for businesses, speaks at conferences and hosts
retreats, all in the name of telling the world that nutrition is just about eating more whole foods, not about going on a diet.

Hannah Cox is the Director of the sustainable impact agency betternotstop and the founder of the Better Business Network, supporting hundreds of purpose-led business leaders and thousands of employees. She began her running journey just last year and has already completed her first ultra marathon. 

In October 2025, Hannah will embark on Project Salt Run, a 4,000 km run across India over 100 days, retracing the historic Inland Customs Line established in 1869 to enforce a salt tax. This endeavor aims to raise £1,000,000 for 1% For the Planet and communities affected by climate change.

Hannah's journey is a testament to the power of individual action in driving meaningful change. Through her work and personal challenges, she exemplifies resilience and a commitment to sustainability, inspiring others to take action for a better future.

For more information about Project Salt Run, visit Hannah's Instagram.

Harriet is an avid marathoner and ultramarathoner, who first fell in love with running on the trails of the Peak District. She later moved to London, where road running sparked an obsession with improving her performance. From here, she became deeply invested in female-specific sports science research—only to realise that much of the standard advice she’d learned was based on male physiology.
 
This discovery sparked her passion for raising awareness of female-specific issues in sport, particularly in running. She now hosts women’s summits, panels, and events to drive these conversations forward. She encourages women to track their menstrual cycles to better understand their bodies and training—something she’s experienced firsthand. Through her own journey with a chronic hip injury, she identified a pattern between hormonal shifts and inflammation, allowing her to manage it more effectively.
 
Harriet founded @likeagirl.eu —a platform that unites women across running communities to showcase their strength and redefine what it means to participate, train, and run ‘like a girl.’ She’s dedicated to creating a space where amateur athletes can openly discuss and learn about female-specific challenges—because while professional athletes now have access to specialised research and coaching, many others are left to navigate it alone. 

In short: she runs, she researches, she overshares—so you don’t have to.

Harry Swinhoe isn't your average runner. Sure, he pounds the pavement like the rest of us, but his stride extends far beyond the physical. As Creative Director and Founder of Grove Lane, a South East London running community, Harry's weaving a unique tapestry of movement, style, and mindful living.

Forget the lycra and the ego-boosting gear. Grove Lane celebrates the raw, primal joy of running, stripping it back to its essence: a simple, grounding escape from the chaos of modern life. Harry, a seasoned veteran of the sports and fashion worlds, translates this philosophy into his clothing line.

Forget logo-mania. Grove Lane champions minimalist aesthetics with a focus on idealist fits and sustainably sourced fabrics. Think organic cotton, European craftsmanship, and limited-edition "Provisions" – a refreshing antidote to the endless cycle of fast fashion.

Swinhoe isn't just selling clothes; he's selling a lifestyle. A life where movement is a mindful practice, where quality reigns supreme, and where the journey, not just the destination, is the ultimate reward.

Imo Boddy is a record-breaking endurance athlete, trail runner, and community builder known for her relentless drive and passion for pushing her limits. In May 2024, she broke the UK National Three Peaks World Record (Female).

 Beyond her athletic achievements, Imo is the founder of Imo Boddy Community, a space designed to bring people together through movement, mindset, and adventure. 

Driven, ambitious, and always looking for the next challenge, Imo is more than just an athlete—she’s a storyteller, leader, and motivator, inspiring others to embrace discomfort, chase big goals, and redefine what’s possible.

Jade is a British-Chinese intercountry adoptee, runner, hiker, and advocate based in London.

She volunteers with ESEA Outdoors UK, a nationwide grassroots community founded by Andrew Wang, working to combat racism by championing the visibility and representation of East and Southeast Asian people in outdoor spaces. 

Adopted from China and raised in the UK as the only person of colour in her family, Jade often found herself as the only ethnic minority in her surroundings. 

Her experiences navigating racism and questions of identity and belonging have shaped a deep commitment to sharing the importance of representation—of seeing people who look like you whilst doing the things you love.

Jade believes the outdoors should be inclusive, accessible and antiracist - a mission that ESEA Outdoors UK and its volunteers strive to achieve through their community building and activism.

Play & movement help us explore & connect our inner and outer worlds. 

Jeni has been teaching yoga for over 10 years & running wellbeing workshops for children in schools & communities since 2015. As an osteopath and adventure sport enthusiast, she loves the way yoga invites curiosity & compassion, with ourselves, our community & the world around us. This is reflected in how she hosts the programme in The Garmin Love Trails University Space.

Jenny started running in April 2023 and impulsively signed up to an ultra marathon after a short run, she started sharing her journey online and attending other run clubs.

She struggled to keep up with other run clubs so decided to host her own first group run, loved it so carried it on which started the growth of Runners & Stunners!!

The club has since grown to almost 10,000 members in London and Bristol and Jenny has completed an ultra marathon, 2 marathons and is running the London marathon in April.

Jide Maduako is an entrepreneur, community leader, and adventure enthusiast dedicated to inspiring people to push their limits and live fully. In 2018, Jide co-founded Yoke Network, a venture focused on TikTok marketing that quickly grew to 33 employees by 2022. Under his leadership, Yoke launched projects like @Thewavehouse and Yoke Talent Management, solidifying the company’s influence in digital marketing. After a transformative trek to Everest Base Camp in 2023, Jide rekindled his love for the outdoors, channeling his passion into his platform, Saintjidz, to create impactful stories for future generations.

Through his community initiative, Us Vs Everyone (USVE), Jide brings people together to explore nature and empowers them to pursue their dreams with purpose. USVE’s mission, "To help individuals fulfill their dreams and live every day to their fullest potential," resonates in its diverse activities, from wellness-focused collaborations like restorative yoga sessions with WorkSpa UK, promoting holistic well-being, to adventure-packed experiences such as water sports, Peak District hikes, Moroccan expeditions, and nine-day rock climbing retreats. With long-term goals to inspire personal growth through fitness and business, build valuable products, and establish his own audience reach, Jide is a trailblazer, helping others unlock their potential and live with intention.

Josh Lynott is an Australian multi-disciplined creative. Based in Melbourne, his work explores the threshold between athletic & artistic worlds through modes of exploration such as, but not limited to, ultra-running, poetry, photography, and painting.

And for the book:

A Note To The Runners

Josh Lynott and his work stands in the liminal space of poetry and running, two forms of movement and expression that, within fragmented spectacles of contemporary life, seem to be in perpetual flux.

Perhaps appearing as an unlikely pairing, Lynott explores the intimate kinship between these two phenomena for his global community and audience. Here, his project mission is simple, though not without gravity: to make running real again, to peel away the layers of artifice and expose what lies beneath.

Born from a frustration with the shallow patterns of modern social trends, A Note to the Runners is a call to slow down in a world that perpetually emphasises the utility of speed. Lynott’s work here isn’t merely about running or writing—it’s about the space in between, where one finds the quiet rebellion of taking time.

A Note to the Runners reiterates an obvious truth: we are deprived of connection and the slow rituals that ground us. More simply, Josh urges us to spend more time sipping tea with friends, adding a touch of spiced hive honey, and at every opportunity, hold pen to paper. He reminds us that no fast sunglasses will make us run quicker, nor build the lasting relationships we truly need. The real challenge, he suggests, is in learning to slow down through understanding what is true to us — bypassing the seductions of the algorithm and seeking a deeper relationship with one's unique rhythm life. 

Favourite distance:
50 - 80km

Favourite place to run: 
Madeira, Portugal

A race I hope to finish:
MIUT 115km

Favourite race so far:
Matterhorn Ultraks Extreme

Favourite running song:
Cinderella Man - Eminem

Coffee order:
Long Black

Post run breakfast:
Pancakes or acai bowl with extra peanut butter.

Kris King – Adventurer, Race Director & Coach 

Kris King is an endurance athlete, global race director, and coach with a passion for pushing the limits of human performance. As the Race Director for Beyond the Ultimate, he designs and delivers some of the world’s most extreme ultra-marathons, taking runners to the Arctic, the Amazon, the desert, and the mountains in pursuit of the ultimate challenge.  

With 20 years of experience coaching and preparing athletes for world-first expeditions and record-breaking attempts, Kris has played a key role in helping individuals achieve the extraordinary. His expertise spans not only race strategy and endurance training but also the physicial and mental resilience required to succeed in the harshest environments on Earth.  His work takes him to remote and wild places, where he collaborates with local communities, indigenous groups, and conservation organisations to ensure that adventure racing has a lasting, positive impact. Most recently, he has been spearheading initiatives in the Peruvian Amazon, working to build sustainable partnerships between ultra-runners and the communities that host them. 

Beyond racing, Kris is the founder of RangerLife Africa, a pioneering initiative that funds life insurance policies for rangers protecting the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems. His work in conservation ensures that those on the front lines of environmental protection have the security and support they deserve.  

At Love Trails, Kris will share his experiences from the world’s toughest races, the lessons he’s learned from coaching elite adventurers, and the impact of endurance sports beyond the finish line. Expect stories of resilience, adventure, and the power of running to create meaningful change.

Lawrence Mitchell thrives on turning big ideas into practical, meaningful actions that make a difference. With a background that spans corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and a deep dive into the world of wellbeing, he brings a unique blend of expertise, passion, and personal experience to his work.

After nearly a decade as Chief Marketing Officer for a division of the FTSE 20 company RELX, Lawrence led a team of 200 people across 20 countries, transforming a declining print business into a $4bn data, analytics, and software powerhouse. During this time, he became deeply invested in workplace wellbeing, recognising that true organisational success starts with resilient, supported individuals.

His journey into holistic wellbeing was inspired by a desire to find balance and purpose amidst the complexities of corporate life. This exploration led him to delve into transformative disciplines such as Gestalt Therapy, Neuroscience, Coaching, Ayurveda, Bodywork, and Astrology. By integrating these diverse practices, Lawrence has developed a distinctive approach that helps individuals and businesses unlock their full potential. His core expertise in marketing remains a unifying thread, enabling him to guide others in crafting strategies that are both impactful and authentic.

In 2016, Lawrence moved from the UK to Sydney, embracing the adventure of building a new life and business in Australia. Since then, his focus has been on helping leaders, teams, and communities build resilience, foster balance, and align their actions with their bigger purpose. Whether he’s facilitating conversations at Wellbeing at Work Summits across APAC, hosting the Finding EQUILIBRIUM podcast, or working one-on-one with clients, Lawrence is committed to bridging big ideas with practical steps that empower people to thrive.

Lily Canter is a female running coach, ultra runner and freelance journalist. She regularly writes for Runner's World, Live for the Outdoors, Women's Health and Metro. When she is not writing about running or coaching women in her club Great Bowden Runners, she likes to get lost on the trails with her dog Zippy. Her biggest running achievement to date is placing first female at the 100k Foxton Hound Ultra and finishing the inaugural Ultra X Tanzania 250k race. 

Lily is a strong advocate of women's sport and enabling women to test their limits. She is the co-author of the celebrated book ULTRA WOMEN: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport.

Mark is a dad, a granddad, an environmental consultant, author of three books, a public speaker, and a qigong teacher.

Join him at Love Trails as he asks the questions you've often thought you wished you'd asked in his role as Love Trails Host and hear him talk from the heart about sustainability when he hits the stage as speaker.

Community builder & visionary, Mark has successfully Launched community initiatives and programs around the world. From founding Hertfordshire born community interest company Your Town which grew across the UK and was voted best idea for towns by DCLG to creating a global Movement around The GRATEFUL MILE.
 
Mark was voted 1 of 15 top social entrepreneurs in the UK in 2019 and has over 22 year’s experience in the wellness space. He has also featured in many publications such as HELLO magazine, GQ, Runners World, Metro & more!
 
A proud father of 2 daughters, a keen runner & enthusiastic community builder Mark has a huge passion to impact the world in positive ways. Mark is founder of DAILY FIVE, A simple and powerful wellness programme designed to improve our mental and physical health in just 5 minutes a day, a discovery platform to try new things & build positive habits.

Matt Stone is a sports photographer and videographer that specialises in creating content for brands, events and social media personalities.

Working within the niche of ultra running and long endurance events, Matt has worked on multiple world record attempts, operating globally capturing long and short form content.

Maxime Galpin is a Parisian-raised runner, movement enthusiast, and mindfulness practitioner who sees running less as a way to break records and more as a path to mental and spiritual growth - breaking free from stress, expectations, and, occasionally, the need to always know where he’s going. Inspired by travels around the world and spending a few months in a Buddhist monastery (where he mastered the fine art of sitting still before deciding to do the exact opposite), he now organizes running retreats and workshops that explore movement as a tool for connection, mental well-being, and discovering himself, others, and the nature of reality.

For Maxime, running is not about being the fastest, the strongest, or the person with the most expensive GPS watch. It’s about slowing down, listening to your body (even when it rudely insists on taking a break), and using movement as a way to navigate life with more awareness and joy. He believes that running - just like life - shouldn’t be about constant competition but about enjoying the journey, appreciating the detours, and, most importantly, making sure there’s a good meal at the end.

In his talk, Lessons From My Mindful 520-Mile Run from Italy to Spain, Maxime won’t just share tales of sore legs and questionable mid-run snack choices. Instead, he’ll reveal the powerful lessons he learned on the trails that can be applied to everyday life - how to embrace discomfort, find peace in uncertainty, and keep moving forward even when your mind (or your feet) beg you to stop. Whether you're a runner or just someone trying to navigate the beautiful mess of daily life, this talk will give you practical insights, a fresh perspective, and maybe some reflections to sit with later on.

P.S.: By the way, he’s the guy who just ran here all the way from Bristol, so please excuse the robotic, cranky posture.

Michelle is a Certified Health & Performance Coach and Breathwork Instructor, with a past corporate career spanning 20 years. With over 4000 coaching hours and 400 workshops delivered to global brands like YouTube, Dell, Boston Consulting Group, Thomson Reuters, CBRE, and more, she is dedicated to inspiring healthier lifestyles and improving workplace performance.

Her sessions combine science-based insights with practical, actionable tips that attendees can integrate into their daily lives. Michelle's engaging delivery ensures participants leave feeling empowered to make meaningful, positive changes both personally and professionally.

Safe, Sweaty and Supportive is at the heart of everything These Girls Run does

Running can feel like such a daunting and competitive sport - especially when you add on the inequality in sports education and opportunities for women, as well as the prevalence of violence against women that still exists in our society. So many women don't feel safe running on their own, and it can be so damaging the amazing mental and physical health benefits that we all know it can bring.


These Girls Run exists to be your Safe, Sweaty, Supportive space. They're here to run with you, cheer you on, give advice and support and form amazing friendships across the UK

Every TGR run is specifically developed with you in mind; with TGR Ambassadors at the front, middle and back of every run to make sure that all abilities are catered for - they run together x

After several years working as a Consultant in Pharmaceuticals, Nancy left work to follow her passion: the ocean.

Nancy has always been at home in the water. She finds different ways to explore the underwater world, including cultivating a passion for scuba and freediving. As a keen traveller, and having experienced ocean environments around the world, it became evident to her that coordinated efforts are required to protect marine ecosystems, conserve resources and protect vulnerable communities that are dependent on the abundance and stability of the ocean.

Now coming to the end of an Erasmus master’s in marine environment and resources, she has developed a balanced background in marine science, blue growth and sustainability. Her current work focuses on how ocean governance can be flexible to climate change to ensure long-term conservation of marine biodiversity. After spending the last years studying, surfing, diving and trail running in Spain, Portugal and the Azores, Nancy has seen first-hand the power of the ocean, the beauty of what lives within in, and the importance of preserving ocean health for the good of planet Earth.

Nick Kershaw, the driving force behind the Impact Marathons events that have created a truly unique narrative within the  running world over nine years, creating events in 10 locations including Nepal, Guatemala, and Malawi. 

These races have raised over $1.5 million for local social projects, deeply impacting thousands of lives. Expanding his vision, he's now launched Fastpack Global, making the greatest fastpacking adventures accessible to more runners than ever before.

A Salomon Ambassador, Nick embodies the spirit of using running as a tool for personal and social change.

Olimata Taal is a London-based presenter, body image advocate, and co-founder of Wild Luna Collective; dedicated to making running and mindfulness more accessible.

With a deep passion for body image awareness, hiking, and the joy of movement, Oli is committed to creating spaces where people of all backgrounds feel empowered to embrace fitness on their own terms—without judgment.

As a member of the Nike Well Collective, Oli is actively reshaping the narrative around well-being, ensuring that wellness isn’t just about performance but about connection, self-care, and joy. 

Through her work in community-building and movement-led initiatives, she champions the idea that running isn’t just about speed or distance—it’s about showing up, being present, and honouring your body in its own unique journey.

At the upcoming Love Trails Festival 2025 Oli will be leading conversations and experiences that celebrate the intersection of fitness and mindset.

Mimmi Kotka is a Swedish ultra-trail runner and sports nutritionist with a Master’s in Nutrition and over a decade of experience racing at the highest level. 

She’s stood on the podium at UTMB and won iconic races like CCC and Lavaredo Ultra Trail. Combining scientific expertise with real-world experience, Mimmi specializes in the intersection of endurance, nutrition, and long-term health. 

Her own journey—both as an athlete and a nutritionist—offers insights into what it takes to thrive in the demanding world of endurance sports

Fighting Monkey Instructor, Dancer and Movement Educator

With over 20 years of international experience in dance, movement education, and performance, Samantha is an accomplished practitioner dedicated to helping people explore and expand their movement potential. Her work draws upon a rich blend of expertise, including evidence-based practices in movement science, a deep understanding of the art of dance, and a profound empathy rooted in her personal recovery from two major accidents.

Samantha has taught workshops and performed globally, from years touring with a Hollywood dance company to, in more recent years, collaborating with healthcare professionals, athletes, and movement enthusiasts to foster resilience, coordination, and creative expression. Her extensive background includes five years working in a physiotherapy clinic in France, where she supported patients with acquired brain injuries, and current research through a Trinity College London scholarship as part of her master’s degree in Dance Science. She also actively involved in arts and health initiatives, including a placement with Trinity Laban and Lewisham Hospital focused on dance for neurological rehabilitation.

Whether you’re a trail runner seeking better movement efficiency, a dancer looking for new inspiration, or simply curious about the power of movement, Samantha offers space to connect with your body in ways that are playful and transformative.

Robin Mackenzie is the founder of Mackyard Events alongside his brother, Charlie. They bring running events to anyone and everyone, all within an hour of the capital. 

Mackyard Events don’t fit the mould. They bridge the gap between city and trail and represent the need for escapism from the challenges of busy city living. They are for the misfits. 

Whether you’re lacing up your shoes for your first ever 5k, or looking to go one more yard than anyone else in the infamous Mackyard Ultra, we are for you. 

Their events don’t end at the finish line. We are a community of likeminded people looking to do racing differently, and building authentic and lasting connections is central to our mission.

Ruden Bhutia is an ultrarunner, community leader & founder of the Runderbolts crew. 
Ruden has completed many personal challenges to raise funds for charitable causes. He ran the London Marathon 4 times back to back in one day in 2024 to raise funds to build a training camp for female trail runners in Nepal and has recently completed the 160 mile Spine Challenger North raising funds for SeeNepal  to set up an eye camp in the villages of Nepal. 

Ruden is passionate about working towards a more diverse and inclusive running industry. He has set up many weekly Runderbolts crews in Kent, London, Hampshire, Reading and Nuneaton. Runderbolts also host trail weekends, marathon and ultra marathon training sessions, volunteering, treasure hunt runs and challenges such as the December 496km challenge. Runderbolts other initiatives include Riderbolts, Swimmerbolts and Runderbolts FC.

The legendary Russ Cook, aka The Hardest Geezer, takes to the main stage to share his epic story and latest adventures, from becoming the first human in history to run across Africa, #ProjectAfrica, to recently running the length of New Zealand. We dive into his mindset, training plans, what’s next, how he stays motivated and much more!

Ryan Stephens is a Mindset & Well-Being Mentor, Ultra-Marathon Runner & Podcast Host from Swansea who is on a mission to change the world through empowering people. Ryan has been in the sea or a natural body of water every day for over 1600 days and counting.

Ryan has a unique story, from setting up a business at the age of 19, going through mental health challenges and ending up in prison at the age of 21, to building communities for people to connect with others and improve their well-being and delivering talks, coaching and mentoring to over 10,000 people to-date. 

Ryan has also ran multiple marathons and ultra-marathons, including a 100-mile ultra-marathon after falling short on the two attempts before it. Lastly, Ryan is a strong advocate for challenging yourself, pushing boundaries, spreading positivity and connecting with nature – which he will be helping you to do at Love Trails Festival 2025!

Shane Stewart is the founder of Step By Steppers, a community-driven run club born from his personal journey of loss and resilience. Shane’s running journey began in 2022 when his father was diagnosed with cancer, using it as a way to navigate the uncertainty ahead. Inspired by his dad’s incredible strength and positivity throughout his battle, Shane turned his own pain into purpose, determined to make a difference.

After his father’s passing in 2023, Shane set out to honor his memory in a meaningful way. Nearly a year to the date of his dads passing, he ran his first London Marathon in his honour, raising over £5,000 for the hospice that cared for his dad in his final days. This experience reinforced his belief in the power of movement—not just for physical health, but for emotional resilience.

Now, Shane is on a mission to promote the power of movement during life’s toughest times and to highlight the strength found in unity and community. Through Step By Steppers, he has created a space where like-minded people can come together, support one another, and take positive steps forward—one step at a time.

Simon is an International Mountain Leader, Alpine Trail Running Guide and Running Coach sharing his time between the Alps around Mont Blanc and the Chilterns in the UK. In 2013 he founded Run the Wild, the first trail running company globally to offer scheduled guided trail running holidays and events, following climbing an 8,000m peak and completing the UTMB.

He is an experienced outdoor instructor in Tanzania, guiding on Kilimanjaro and facilitating remote adventures for international schools, as well as a consultant to Love Trails Festival run leader team. He has experience in all weathers and temperatures, with adventures spanning from Alaska to the baking heat of the Sahara. He shares his life with his wife Karin, also a running guide and coach as well as their two German short haired pointers Bailey and Lottie.

Despite many setbacks, including almost losing the sight in one eye and major hip surgery. He has an infectious positivity and is passionate about the outdoors and sharing it with those around him.

His talks and workshops are engaging and interactive and wants to take the audience on a journey, leaving them empowered and inspired. He believes trail running is for all, no matter ability, it’s all about our mindset.

Steph Knapman is a young trail runner from the UK, whose journey into the sport began during lockdown. What started as a personal escape to disconnect and find peace in nature, soon blossomed into a global adventure.

Steph is now part of the RAB athlete team. She is characterised by her enthusiasm for the outdoors and her love for the mountains. Her running has taken her across the world, competing in both multi-stage and single-stage races ranging from 50 to 250 kilometres. 

Steph has pushed her physical and mental limits in some of the world's most testing climates. From the blistering heat of the desert to the rugged, high-altitude challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Steph has shown that with preparation and determination, no challenge is too great. She is not just an athlete; but a source of inspiration to many, encouraging others to embrace the outdoors and push their limits in endurance sports. 

Through her captivating social media presence, she documents her incredible experiences, the highs, the lows and the lessons learned along the way. Her story is one of determination, resilience and the transformative power of trail running.

In 2024, Terry did what no man had done before – he set the world record for the largest-known GPS cock and balls. Yes, you read that right. Armed with a questionable sense of direction and a big dose of ambition, he pounded the pavement for Movember, raising awareness for men’s mental health in the most unforgettable way possible. His masterpiece went viral, featuring in The Guardian, Metro, Daily Mail, The Independent, and even popping up as a question on Have I Got News for You. From the U.S. to New Zealand, India to Japan, Terry’s ‘art’ was truly a global member of headlines.

But it wasn’t always records and recognition. Just a few years earlier, Terry was in the worst shape of his life – obese, unfit, and deeply unhappy. Trapped in a cycle of binge drinking, recreational drug use, and takeaways, he hit rock bottom both physically and mentally. With his health and happiness in tatters, he realised that if life wasn’t going to change for him, he’d have to change it himself.

That’s when he discovered the power of challenges. Small at first, then bigger, bolder, and more ambitious. Each one gave him purpose beyond the pub, pulling him out of his rut and into a life driven by growth, resilience, and relentless self-improvement.

Now, Terry’s mission is clear: Inspire others to embrace struggle, ignite motivation, and thrive in life. Through his online challenge platform, Rokman, and his fundraising efforts (over £17,000 raised so far, with a target of £100,000), he’s helping others find their own path to transformation. Proof that you don’t need a six-pack to make a big impact – just a bit of grit, a lot of heart, and, in Terry’s case, one truly unforgettable GPS masterpiece.

Tom English is a movement specialist and performance scientist, and the founder of movement research collective Ferus Animi // Terra Nova. 

Tom's expertise sits in the intersection between movement training, motor learning, neuroscience, evolutionary physiology and performance psychology. He has presented research at institutions including p.a.r.t.s., the UK Dance conservatoires (Rambert/LCDS/NSCD/Laban), The Embodiment Conference and the European School of Osteopathy amongst others. He is the Course Leader of the MA Dance: Performance Programme at London Contemporary Dance School / University of the Arts London, and a member of faculty at the Oxford School of Drama, where he has built a course of curriculum on performance psychology/physiology and movement studies. Tom has worked as a movement consultant for Warner Brothers, Working Title Film, Netflix and Universal Pictures.

Wil is a movement coach with a passion for exploration, learning, and growth. His journey into movement began with a desire to understand his own body and mind better, and it has since evolved into a lifelong pursuit of self-discovery and personal development.
 
Wil believes that movement is more than just physical exercise; it's a way of life. It's about exploring our potential, learning new skills, and growing both physically and mentally. It's about connecting with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.

Yahya is a determined athlete, advocate, and inspirational leader who lost his sight fully in 2021. Facing one of life’s most profound challenges, Yahya not only adapted but thrived, channeling his resilience into the world of sports. His journey began with a personal commitment to stay active and quickly evolved into a mission to inspire others.

As the face of the "See Sport Differently" campaign by British Blind Sport and the RNIB, Yahya played a pivotal role in encouraging blind and partially sighted individuals to embrace physical activity. His story resonated nationwide, highlighting the transformative power of sports for people living with visual impairments.

Yahya's remarkable achievements include becoming the first fully blind person to run a marathon untethered, setting a groundbreaking world record. This feat symbolizes his dedication to pushing boundaries and challenging perceptions about disability.

Beyond marathon running, Yahya has ventured into diverse sports, including jiu-jitsu, rock climbing, and surfing. Each discipline reflects his adventurous spirit and commitment to personal growth. His ultimate goal is to represent his country at the Paralympics as a marathon runner, an ambition that drives his relentless training and advocacy efforts.

Passionate about improving the lives of blind and partially sighted people, Yahya actively campaigns for inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities. His work inspires countless others to redefine their limits and pursue their dreams, regardless of the challenges they face.

10Ironwomen started in October 2018, when ten friends signed up to Ironman Barcelona. Some had never completed a triathlon before, and didn’t own a bike. Others had never run a marathon.

10IronWomen wanted to send a message to other women that these events are achievable and you can do anything you set your mind to. Ironman events are not, as the name might suggest, just for men.

As novices in the sport, by sharing their training journey (good and bad!) on social media, the hope was that more women would feel encouraged to believe that they could do one too. At the time of their first race, only 13% of the entrants were female - a key reason being that women didn’t feel there was a space for them. 10IronWomen has the vision to address the gender disparity in endurance triathlon, with the goal of one day achieving 50% female and non-binary participation in a full distance triathlon.

No everyone has the option of signing up to an Ironman with their friends. 10Ironwomen has now grown to a community of 100s, with regular events across the UK - providing a space for women to meet like-minded new friends and training buddies, who will inspire them to believe that they can do any event they want to, no matter the distance.

“If we can do it, you can too.”