Cancer Survivor Luke Wins EcoTrail Wicklow

Luke feels the force…

atest press release from Wicklow County Council, issued on Tuesday, Sept 27th 2022…

The EcoTrail Wicklow race welcomed 1,200 trail runners from 42 countries in Bray on Saturday .

EcoTrail is a network of international trail running races with events in location such as Paris, Stockholm, Porto, Valencia, Malaysia, or Thailand.

Michelle Bohan 18k winner

With start and finish from Bray Seafront, EcoTrail Wicklow offered participants a choice of four different races of 19km, 30km, 46km and 80km in distances.

Around 1,200 participants came from 42 different countries to enjoy the stunning weather and breath-taking landscapes of the Wicklow Mountains overlooking the Irish Sea.

This year’s 80k winner Luke Grenfell-Shaw stole the show completing the gruelling 80km race in a record time of 6h 49minutes, 23 seconds, almost 50 minutes ahead of second place. During the after-race interview, Luke shared his amazing story of surviving stage four cancer and showing how his battle against the disease is not slowing him down.

Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, said: “The EcoTrail Wicklow weekend has proven extremely successful with very positive feedback from all involved. With the extra support from Failte Ireland, EcoTrail Wicklow is showing to the world what an amazing outdoor destination this county is.”

Cllr Tommy Annesley, Cathaoirleach, Wicklow County Council, added: “Wicklow County Council is delighted to be involved with EcoTrail Wicklow. The event has proven a strong investment for the County offering so many opportunities to showcase our destination, and the variety of landscape and sceneries.”

Mr Fred Verdier from Wicklow County Tourism stated: “EcoTrail is an amazing brochure for Wicklow, and thanks to the stunning weather on Saturday, we have now some fabulous photos and videos of the event and the destination. Over the next weeks and months, we will work hard to make sure those images and videos travel as far and wide around the world.”

Ms Nicola Cleary, EcoTrail Wicklow Event Coordinator, said: “We need to thank all of EcoTrail Wicklow partners and sponsors from their support, with a special mention to Wicklow County Council for their continued support, and to Failte Ireland for the extra resources this year.

“The team here is already busy debriefing this year’s event, and planning for a bigger and better 2023 EcoTrail Wicklow Trail Running Festival.”