Launched in 2024, Team Adaptive was born with the ambition of reinventing the place of disabled athletes in trail running. It's a natural extension of our inclusion policy, designed to open the doors of trail running to all athletes in the long term, including those with disabilities.

After a first edition that left a lasting impression, Team Adaptive is back with renewed determination in 2025. Buoyed by the enthusiasm generated last year and the impact of its message on the world of trail running, the initiative is pursuing its objective for this second year: to bring about a lasting change in the way people look at disability, so that it is seen as a matter of course rather than an exception.

Maria Petit shares with us her opinion on the evolution of adapted trail running

From your experience, what are the main challenges facing athletes with disabilities in the world of trail running?

« The challenges faced by athletes with disabilities in trail running are many and varied. Every disability is unique, just as every individual’s background and experience is different, so the way each person experiences the sport can vary greatly. What is clear, however, is that when you have a disability running in the mountains becomes a much greater challenge, with many more obstacles to overcome. »

The HOKA UTMB Mont-Blanc has introduced an ‘Adaptive Policy’ to welcome athletes with disabilities, and you joined Team Adaptive this year. How do you see this approach and how does it meet the practical needs of adaptive runners?

« I’m really pleased that Team Adaptive was created. The participation of a wide range of athletes in the world of trail running is gaining visibility, especially through being highlighted at such an iconic event as UTMB Mont-Blanc. I’m always grateful for initiatives like this that give greater representation to all athletes. »

What do you see as the next steps in making trail running even more accessible and inclusive in the future?

« We still need to build greater visibility. It’s crucial to have role models — like the members of Team Adaptive — showcasing the different ways people with disabilities can experience the sport. This can help others who are considering getting involved to find examples to follow. It’s equally important that race organisers are aware of our participation, so they can help make events more accessible and welcoming for everyone. »

You'll be running the MCC in August. What are the main challenges you face during your preparation and on race day? What kind of support or adaptations do you need to make it to the finish line? And more personally — what are you looking for in trail running and in these race experiences?

« For a blind runner, the main piece of equipment is the guiding bar. It’s a bar around 2.5 to 3 metres long, held by three guides, each with one hand. The guides give different instructions so that the runner knows what type of terrain lies ahead. Personally, the biggest challenge is training: it’s very difficult to have guides available for every training session, and coordinating schedules can be complicated. Not being able to go out and train independently whenever I want is a major limitation. It requires real teamwork, and on race day all three people need to be in top form. Honestly, what I seek in trail running is simple: to have fun and enjoy doing what I love. Pushing myself, taking on new challenges, and achieving new goals always brings a great sense of purpose to my life. »

Do you have a message for people with disabilities who are curious about trail running but hesitate to take the first step?

« To those who are curious but haven’t yet tried it, I would say: go for it! It’s the only way to discover whether you’ll enjoy it. Unlike a few years ago, there are now many stories and testimonials online from people with a wide variety of disabilities who practise this wonderful sport. Today everyone can find the inspiration they need to get started. »