Nuria

"SUCCESS IS BEING ON THE START LINE."

Everything in stride

Her multi-disciplinary approach to life has proven a great source of adventure, but also an incredible source of strength. Told she would never run again following a climbing accident in Montserrat just as her trail running career was kicking off, Núria’s spirit couldn’t be broken. “I felt very down for a while,” she admits, “but sometimes when a door closes, some windows open and for me, this was an opportunity to keep my connection with sports and nature.”    

Turning to skiing and mountain biking as lower impact alternatives, Núria even became a firefighter before dusting off her running shoes again years later and clinching the win at the Cavalls del Vent ultra trial. Prognosis be damned.

GET TO KNOW

NÚRIA PICAS

BEYOND THE FINISH LINE

WHY TRAIL RUNNING?

I consider myself a passionate outdoor and sports lover. In trail running, I find a great combination for being connected to nature in a fast and wild way. What more could you ask for?

MY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

The first one is in Ultra Pirineu in 2011, my first participation in a long-distance race. This was the moment my time arrived: I not only finished the race, I won, and I beat the women's record of the race.

The second moment is when I won the dream of any Ultra distance runner: the Ultra Trail du Montblanc 170km. This was in 2017 after two attempts finishing in 2nd position.

MY GOALS MOVING FORWARD

I'm a nonconformist dreamer, and I always have tons of things in my mind. Each season is different. I've been certified as a mountain guide, and I'm rediscovering a new world to explore, that is to share with the people what Ultra distance races gave me.

MY WORDS TO LIVE BY

Smile and live! This is the attitude to walk through life with.

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW

I'm a firefighter and it is a passion job for me. Being in the outdoors, in nature and always serving and helping the citizens. It allows me plenty of free time that I invest in training for my new challenges and adventures.

MY BEST ADVICE

Never give up fighting for your goals because in an elite career, there are plenty of ups and downs, but with strength, consistency and determination any dream is possible. In the end, frequently the difference between win or lose is linked to not giving up, and even when you expect the least or think it might not arrive, good things happen. Stay positive and optimistic.