Laura O'Driscoll
TRAIL RUNNING
Running is like breathing to her. With a childhood background in competitive sprinting, over the years the mountains have enticed her to go longer and deeper into nature. Trained as an architect and teacher, her wandering mind and adventure seeking spirit has led her down many career paths and to many corners of the world. Now she enjoys coaching other athletes, helping them receive as much joy from movement as she does, teaching yoga, practicing physical therapy and engaging with design projects that inspire her.
Key achievements
- Dynafit TransAlpine-Run Solo (AUT) 1st female, 2023
- World Mountain & Trail Running Championships 2023 (WMTRC) Innsbruck - Short Trail
- Adventure Race Ireland National Champion 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018
- Waterville Trail Festival 3 Day (3 mountain marathons) 2023 1st female, 2nd overall
- Bluestack Ultra 50k 2023 1st female, 2nd overall
- 50k Irish National Champion 2020, 2019 (3rd 2022)
- Seven sisters Skyline 55km 1st female, 2019
- Kerry Way ultra lite 1st female, 2020
- Cape Wrath Ultra Scotland (400km, 10,000m +, over 8 days) 1st female, 2022
- Verdon Canyons 27km 2023 - 2nd female
Future Projects
- Maurice Mullins 50k
- Annapurna Himal Stage Race April 2024 (An 8-day stage race in the Himalays at altitude with approximately 265km and 11,000m climbing, not including the 3-day acclimatisation trek, nor the 120km journey by foot, with 8,000m climbing, back to Kathmandu.)
- Rab 14 Peaks Ultra 52k
- Dragons Back Stage Race September 2024 (380km, 6-day ultra running journey through Wales)
- Wicklow Way 127k
- Mountain Leader Qualification
Interview with Laura
3 words that define you as an athlete?
Adventurous - Joyful - Determined - Running, to me, is breathing.
3 values that fit you as a person?
Appreciation - Humility - Positivity
Why do you feel you belong to the Cimalp family?
I am humbled to be a member of the CIMALP family. I have respect and admiration for what they have created and continue to develop with the brand. As soon as I met some of the team, I felt already part of the family and there is a real sense of care and respect for the individual and for nature that is truely unique. They are passionate about the mountains, which no matter where I have roamed, have always felt like home to me. I feel at home with CIMALP.
Your best and worst mountain memories and why?
Best memory: Finishing Cape Wrath Ultra in 2022, after 8 days running and hiking through the worst condition Scotland has experienced in years (we even made the national news!) I sustained a bad ankle injury on day 3, and through grit, stubbornness and determination I reached the finish, first lady, and an absolute emotional mess!
Worst memory: No bad memories, just experiences that could have gone horribly wrong, and reminders to always respect the mountains and natures.
Worst memory: No bad memories, just experiences that could have gone horribly wrong, and reminders to always respect the mountains and natures.
What do the mountains inspire you to do?
The mountains inspire me to overcome obstacles that appear unsurpassable, but I know that step by step everything is achievable. They give me humility , as I reach toward the summit and appreciation for what I can experience and do with my body.
I am passionate about sharing my experience of the mountains with others, and because of this I am currently working toward my Mountain Leader qualification, which will enable me to confidently bring more people into my playground.
What is your relationship to the environment and ecology?
Sustainable design, has always been a passion of mine. But also respecting parts of nature that are better left untouched. In a way, something that drew me away from architecture and more into the outdoors and experiential living. I try to step as lightly as I can through the world, and spreading my love and appreciation of nature with others. I try to practice full circle initiatives in everything I do, minimising waste and my impact on the world.
Another great passion/talent than sports?
Movement and the human body. I am passionate about helping people move joyfully, as effortlessly as they can, either through yoga, running technique training or the application of physical therapy.