Olivia ONeill
A few years ago, I had an idea to start a trail running group that encouraged female runners in NYC to hit the dirt and get into the forest. I was looking to build a support system for women looking to explore the world of trail and trail races, as well as providing a safe space to navigate local trails in a group setting. As founder of TWBK I hope to continue to meet and be inspired by incredible women, share new experiences, and provide a safe space to explore outside of one’s comfort zone.
My own running journey started when I was a student in college, living in Brooklyn. After a year of running casually, I started running trails an could tell I had found my happy place. I built up my trail mileage and got curious about longer distances and read a few books about ultras. I decided to run my first running race in the fall of 2015, a 60k in Central Park, and I never looked back. Since then I’ve done a number of other ultras ranging from 50ks to 100 milers. I love this sport for the community I’ve been able to take part in and how it has enabled me to see new and incredible places.
Elise Mordos
I am a born and raised New Yorker and became a lover of the great outdoors, despite my claim as a seven year old child that I will never go on another hike again. My running career started shortly after college and completed my first road race, jumping right to the marathon distance, in 2013. Several years later, I learned about trail ultras which seemed significantly more entertaining than marathons and included fun stuff at aid stations like candy, soda and chips, rather than just water and sports drinks. I was quickly sold and completed my first trail ultra in 2018 and never looked back since. It was during this training cycle that I learned of TWBK. I had previously done a lot of training by myself because very few New Yorkers are interested in doing long runs in the woods. TWBK changed all of that, providing me with a community of fellow trail runners and instant training partners. As a leader of TWBK, I hope to give back to the community that has given me so much and inspire more ladies to hit the dirt.
Trish Ignatowski
I am born and raised in upstate New York and was raised on a love for the outdoors. My running career started in 8th grade when I realized I was only good at the running part of soccer. After joining my school team I discovered a love of trails through our training at the local park. During my years running for Ithaca College, our teams Sunday long runs were my favorite part because we got to explore new places, and I would sneak a long run or two on the trails of Ithaca (sorry coaches). I signed up for my first Ultra (the 60k in Central Park) after moving to NYC simply because it was cheaper than doing the NYC marathon. After sustaining some lovely overuse injuries from road running I was introduced to TWBK at a physical therapy holiday party. Like many others, I had been doing the majority of my training on my own because what normal person wants to do a 20 mile long run early in the morning on a regular basis. TWBK introduced me to a supportive community of individuals who encourage any and all ideas, as well as help you train for them. As a leader of TWBK I hope to support and inspire all runners in the community to hit the dirt and encourage all to maybe go for that crazy idea.