MyBESTRuns

Sheila Avilés Castaño Lives for Peaks and Nature

Sheila Avilés Castaño, born on July 7, 1993, in Santa Margarida de Montbui, Spain, is a trail and skyrunning athlete whose passion for nature and sport has propelled her to remarkable achievements on the global stage. From a young age, Sheila found joy in the outdoors, combining her athletic talent with her love for the mountains. Trail running became her sanctuary, offering the perfect balance between physical challenge and the beauty of nature.

Over the years, Sheila has built an impressive career, winning major titles and captivating fans around the world. In 2017, she claimed the Sky Classic category of the Skyrunning World Cup and earned a bronze medal at the European Skyrunning Championships. Two years later, she added another Skyrunning World Cup title to her name, proving her consistency and determination at the highest level of competition. Her crowning achievement came in 2022 when she triumphed at the OCC race of the UTMB Mont-Blanc, a victory that cemented her status as one of the top athletes in her discipline.

In 2024, Shella continued to showcase her extraordinary talent and resilience. At the HOKA Val d'Aran by UTMB®, she completed the 18 km course with 465 meters of elevation gain in 1:32:07, placing 3rd among women. Later in the year, she dominated the adidas TERREX INFINITE TRAILS 30K Individual race, finishing in 3:25:08 and securing 1st place in the women's category.

She also put in a strong performance at the Salomon Ultra Pirineu's Mitja Pirineu 21k, covering the challenging 21 km course with 1,200 meters of elevation gain in 1:50:05, finishing 6th among women. Her consistency across diverse events reflects her adaptability and unwavering commitment to the sport.

Beyond her racing accomplishments, Sheila is an ambassador for the beauty of trail running and the deep connection it fosters with nature. Through her social media and public appearances, she inspires runners and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide to embrace the mountains and push their limits.

For Sheila, running is more than a sport-it's a way of life, a celebration of the human spirit, and a testament to what can be achieved with passion and dedication.

Sheila Avilés Castaño continues to conquer peaks and inspire others, reminding the world that no summit is too high when approached with determination and love for the journey.

posted Sunday January 26th