At mums who trail, we love shining a light on the incredible women in our community. Each mum has her own journey, her own reasons for running, and her own story worth sharing. First up, we have our inspiring trail mum Monique Abercrombie.
How long have you been trail running for?
I started running in general in the middle of 2025 as I’d reached the point where I needed something for me that was physical. I had tried structured gym classes but found they weren’t exciting me or motivating me to continue. I often felt left behind fitness wise as it’s fast paced and moving from one activity to the next and my body didn’t agree.
What got you into trail running?
I had always loved walking and living in a beautiful part of the city, always saw people running. I thought I’d buy a treadmill to start me off and give me some flexibility being a solo mum with young kids so there was no excuses to start out. After linking up with another mum just starting out, I was brave enough to branch out to running trails with a buddy and fell in love with how it made me feel. Being in nature, appreciating all the little bits of beauty in the bush really motivated me and made me feel peace and energised me in ways I find hard to describe.
What has trail running done for you?
Trail running has given me an outlet to recharge my batteries when juggling all the demands of parenthood and life. It helps give me clarity in my thoughts and forces you to sit with yourself and work through hard things. It’s humbling, challenging and rewarding all at once. I’ve never had so much gratitude for this body than I have when I’ve achieved a nice run. As a mum with children with additional needs, you naturally forget to look after yourself and your own mental health so trail running has been so important for me.
How many kids do you have?
I have 3 children. My youngest son just turned 6, my daughter is 7, and my oldest son is 9. I feel really lucky to co-parent my children in a positive way that allows me to make space for my goals because parenthood is a wild ride and it’s often so hard to juggle all the demands and still find time for yourself.
Biggest highlight in trail running so far?
My first trail half at the inaugural Muriwai Half Marathon. Such a stunning course and so proud of myself for doing that. It’s daunting to put yourself out there and try new things but I had so much fun and support and loved it.
What’s next on your radar in the trail running space?
Finding like minded people in running, especially mums who just ‘get it’, has given me the courage to back myself and my running bestie and I have committed to doing the Tarawera Ultra in Feb 2026. It was a lofty goal for us, having never really ran at all and we are slowly working towards it. It’s been a wonderful journey of self discovery and I’m excited to push myself in 2026!
Favourite place to run?
Waitākere! Love the trails in west Auckland as I grew up there and they feel like home. I never knew there were even trails out there so close to your front door but a stunning day in the bush you can’t beat.