Brand Ambassadors: Triathlon, Trail, Running

Our Ambassadors

Athletes who love to share, connect, and communicate, and who have all embraced the COMFORT of our laces!

Meet the Gorilla Tribe, our community of ambassadors! They’re all different athletes, but they share one thing in common: they feel great in their trainers and, of course, are equipped with Gorilla silicone laces.

Why have an ambassador team?

Shortly after Gorilla was founded, we created our own ambassador team to build connections, a true “tribe”! We chose a variety of profiles, not necessarily those with the largest followings, but those who genuinely live the values we care about every day.

Before joining the team, they tested, and most importantly, adopted, our silicone laces. After all, the quiet strength of Gorilla can be felt from head to toe!

What does it mean to be a Gorilla ambassador?

It’s about helping us spread the word about our laces through their networks and in real life, participating in decision-making, and getting exclusive early access to new products!

Emma - Trail and Triathlete

My name is Emma, I’m 26 years old, and I’ve been living in Fresnes for four years since becoming a primary school teacher. Originally, I’m from the Tarn region, I started trail running about ten years ago, and over the past year, I’ve really gotten into triathlon.

In 2024, my main goal is the Ironman Nice on the 16th of June. I’ll also be running the Paris Marathon on the 7th of April, aiming to set a personal best over the distance.

As you can tell, sport is my biggest passion — trail running, cycling, swimming, yoga… — but I also love travelling.

I’m thrilled to join the Gorilla team, a brand I admire for its values and the quality of its products. I wish everyone a fantastic sporting year ahead, full of great performances, but most importantly, a year of enjoyment and passion!

Jeremy - Trail running Dad

I’m a mid-distance trail runner, usually covering 40–50 km, or even 24-hour races. But I’d like to push myself further with ultra distances, like 100 km races.

My dream? The Marathon des Sables. My passion? Enjoying life, laughing, and good food.

Gorilla laces have been a real joy for me. First, because I love flashy shoes, and the laces are the finishing touch that really make them stand out. But most importantly, they help support my ankles, which have been through a lot thanks to handball. Plus, they’re Made in France, so it’s a real pleasure to join the team and contribute in my own way!

GAËL

Hi everyone, I’m Gaël, also known as @Gael.Run on Instagram, originally from Grenoble but living in Paris for several years.

By day, I work as a financial auditor, what’s commonly called a “Commissaire aux Comptes” in France. It’s a demanding job, both in terms of knowledge, variety of assignments, and pace! That’s why sport — especially trail running — is essential for keeping my life in balance.

Being away from my native mountains isn’t easy, so in recent years I’ve focused on trail running, taking on challenges such as the Mont-Blanc Marathon, Transvulcania, Maxi-Race Annecy, SaintéLyon, and the Ecotrail 80k. Yes, it’s possible to live near Paris and train for these races!

I discovered Gorilla laces at a running expo and tested them on long trail runs. I was amazed at how well they fit: not too tight, not too loose. I can’t wait to lace up all my pairs (and there are many!) and hit the trails with the Gorilla Tribe.

Charline - Triathlete

Hello, I’m Charline, 31, living in Vichy, one of the most beautiful regions in France. I’m married to an elite ultra-trail gendarme, mum to a nearly six-year-old, and a nurse caring for adults with psychological and motor disabilities.

I’ve always loved sport, but my passion grew even more since being with my husband: hiking, cycling, and especially running, particularly trail running. Whether alone, with friends, or with family, I love being outside — especially amidst the volcanoes of our stunning region. From my first 10k, I progressed to 30k, 50k, and eventually tested myself on the UTPMA 100k, though I had to stop at 73k.

This year, I’m following my own pace: the Vulcain with my sister (of course in Gorilla laces!), the Trail des 6 Buronswith a friend (75km, 3500m D+), and possibly the SaintéLyon with the team in December. My major goals are to return to the UTPMA 100 in 2025 and, ultimately, tackle the Diagonale des Fous.

I’ve been loyal to Gorilla laces for over three years — they never leave my feet. Hiking, running, trail, everyday life, even at work, they offer optimal comfort every day.

No more re-tying laces, no more swollen feet, endless colour combinations, French-made, and innovative within a family-run company! They’re easy to love — my 80-year-old grandad even wears them on his hikes! There’s no age limit for enjoying them.

So go for it! Adopting Gorilla is embracing a lifestyle of comfort and joy.

Camille - Triathlete

Hi! I’m Camille, known as @camille.rosenoisettes on social media. I’m passionate about sport, and I also share my other hobbies, including plant-based cooking and wellness.

I’ve loved running for as long as I can remember, but for a long time I was just a “Sunday runner.” It’s only recently that I started setting real sporting challenges, and discovered the triple-discipline world of triathlon.

When I moved to the Drôme, I started cycling after a foot injury. Unable to run for at least a month, I took the plunge and bought a second-hand road bike — and it was love at first ride! Since then, the kilometres have flown by, and I’ve taken part in triathlon competitions. I really enjoy the challenge and the thrill of performance — every session is a joy, even when it’s tough!

I completed my first full season in 2023, earning a few podiums along the way. Gorilla laces made my T2 transitions smooth and efficient, both in training and during triathlon races. I haven’t taken them off since!

Estelle - Iron Woman

I started sports in 2016. At the time, I was managing a restaurant, and our team was always under pressure. I quickly got into treadmill running, and after a few months, I signed up for my first race: the 20 km de Paris.

That race made me feel free and independent. I had never achieved anything like that with my body before, and suddenly, thanks to myself, I had completed an official 20 km race.

I then moved on to the Paris Marathon, took swimming lessons, and bought a bike to give my body a break after an intense year of running. That’s how I discovered triathlon!

In triathlon, no detail can be overlooked…

A few years ago, I thought shoelaces were just a small detail. But since triathlon entered my life, I’ve tried so many laces: too weak, too tricky to put on, too tight… Then I discovered Gorilla silicone laces, and it was a little revelation. Your feet can breathe, and you can slip your trainers on and off in a fraction of a second.

With Gorilla laces, you make express transitions — the faster you lace up, the faster you run, and the faster you enjoy it!

Nicolas - Trail champion

I’m Nicolas Raybaud — @nicolasraybaud on social media. I balance work and sport daily, living a healthy and measured lifestyle, and I feel lucky to have grown up and still live at the foot of the Vercors Regional Natural Park.

I pursued my studies alongside competing at a high level in rowing. From rowing, I moved to cycling, quickly achieving strong results in granfondos, including the Haute Route, Taiwan KOM Challenge, and the Mongolia Bike Challengeon mountain bikes. Eventually, I discovered triathlon. Why?

I fractured my ankle, and swimming was the only way to stay active during rehabilitation. I quickly realised I had a knack for it. I was strong on the bike and always a decent runner — so why not triathlon? For me, road or cross-triathlon represents the ultimate test of a complete athlete, combining resilience, endurance, and pushing beyond limits.

Today, I’m pushing myself even further by taking on long-distance trail running.

My 2024 goals: Xterra Trail Marathon Taiwan, Ultra Trail des Balcons d’Azur, Xterra Trail Nouvelle-Aquitaine — and the Xterra World Championships, where I aim to get even closer to the podium.

And I do it all with Gorilla laces: robust, comfortable, and fast for transitions — whether in competition, at work, or quickly changing before a swim. They really make daily life easier!

Morgane - Runner

I’m Morgane — @themonoolong on Instagram! A Paris-based lawyer who fell into the sporty lifestyle potion back in 2018.

My ingredients: a huge dose of running, a splash of trail, a generous helping of cycling, a spoonful of yoga, and a pinch of Pilates — with room for whatever other disciplines life brings!

Step by step, I first broke in my trainers on the road, with the Paris-Versailles race as my gateway to official races. I then tackled several 10Ks, a few half-marathons, and my first marathon in 2019. Somehow, this journey led me to the SaintéSprint in 2021 — my first taste of trail running, and most importantly, my introduction to the Gorilla team and their laces, which completely transformed my sport experience.

I sometimes struggle to choose between running and trail — but that’s okay! Gorilla laces are there for every moment: lifestyle, running, or trail. They’ve become an everyday essential for me.

With my trainers laced up, I’m thrilled to build even more connections with Gorilla!

David - 100% MADE IN FRANCE

Hi, I’m David, a member of the Gorilla team since 2023. I work as a civil servant in a town hall (sports department) and have been active in athletics since I was seven — specifically racewalking for over 15 years. In recent years, I’ve transitioned to running and trail.

Gorilla laces give me the comfort and support I’ve been looking for, with the added bonus of being Made in France. Easy to fit and maintain, they’re a joy in everyday life — whether for sports, city running, or even my safety shoes!

My 2024 goals: Enjoy every moment, run the Paris Half Marathon, the Sénart 10K, the Colmar Half, the Lyon Half, take on the Roc d’Azur on my mountain bike, plus a few smaller races along the way.

And why not a Gorilla relay team at the SaintéLyon?

Nathalie - Trail Runner

Hi! I’m Nathalie, sharing my adventures on social media as @les_aventures_de_nath. Originally from Saint-Étienneand now living in Marseille, I’ve been working in the environmental sector, especially renewable energy, for 15 years.

I’m a multi-sport athlete — hiking, cycling, climbing, swimming… I discovered trail running eight years ago and love the changing rhythms that let you fully enjoy the terrain and surroundings. My favourite playground is the Calanques National Park, right near home — a true feast for the eyes.

Always chasing elevation in trail running, this year I’m tackling new challenges: after some scenic snow trails earlier in the year, I’ll be taking on the Skyrace des Matheysins, Mont-Blanc Marathon, Trail du Mont Cenis, Parcours des Crêtes de l’Échappée Belle, Les Templiers, and likely a few other beautiful regional trails.

I’ve been using Gorilla laces for three years and absolutely love them. I put them on every time I get a new pair of sports shoes. They’re ultra-comfortable, practical, and I no longer worry about ankle twists from poorly tied laces.

Gorilla laces have revolutionised my sporting life — I never have to fuss with lace tension, and the comfort is incredible. They accompany me in all my sporting adventures — I’m a huge fan!

Clément - Trail enthusiast

Hi, I’m Clément — @clemclemclem78 — a runner and trail enthusiast from the western plains of Paris, now in my forties.

I started running six years ago, after quitting smoking. I love running in nature just as much as admiring the architecture of our beautiful French cities.

Since 2022, I’ve been a proud member of the Gorilla Tribe ambassador team, and I can’t imagine going back. No more tying laces! Comfortable, durable, and all-terrain, Gorilla laces have accompanied me through all my challenges — from the Paris-Versailles race to the Paris Marathon, from the EcoTrail de Paris to the 78 km SaintéLyon.

In 2024, I’ll be taking on the 80 km EcoTrail de Paris, 50 km of the Diag78, Marathon de la Liberté, Marathon pour Tous, and once again the SaintéLyon. So, if you see me at a starting line, don’t hesitate to come say hi and make new connections!

My motto: Run for Fun.

Sophie - Trail Runner

I’m Sophie, also known as @sophie_pink_turtle — a lover of life and an epicurean at heart. I do sport for my well-being, to enjoy nature, and to stay fit!

I enjoy both trail and road running, but I have a preference for trail, especially races with a meaningful or charitable purpose. I returned to running in late 2018 to break free from routine, escape daily life, and get back in shape.

I’ve always been active — running, hiking, going to the gym — but as life goes, it’s not always easy to make time for it.

Since then, I’ve started sharing my progress on social media, inspired by the achievements of others and, most importantly, motivated by their encouragement! It has become a fun exchange of advice and tips from runners of all levels.

Over time, I discovered Gorilla silicone laces and have been a loyal fan since the beginning. All my shoes are now equipped with them. I’m convinced by the support, comfort, and speed of transition they provide. No more tying and retying laces — they stay perfectly adjusted and never come undone.

I’m also proud to wear a French brand and contribute, in my own way, to its growth through my posts.

Anthony - Casual Runner

Hi, I’m Anthony, also known as @anto.running on Instagram. I’m 42, in a relationship, father of three daughters, and I work as a webmaster/graphic designer for the firefighters of Hérault.

I’ve been a casual runner since childhood, when I used to run with my dad, but I really got serious about running in 2021, with the goal of running a marathon for my 40th birthday in 2023. After winning an Instagram contest and deferring my bib to run the Montpellier Marathon in April 2022, I truly fell in love with the sport. Since then, I’ve constantly pushed myself to go further and test my limits!

To date, I’ve run seven marathons, including Montpellier, Paris, and Lisbon, with a personal best of 3h48. Running has become a true passion — I train four to five times a week, always with as much enjoyment as when I started. For over a year, I’ve also been exploring trail running, which complements my road running perfectly.

Looking ahead to 2025, I plan to take part in the Marathon Côte Indigo in April, Festa Trail in May, Mont-Ventoux Half Marathon in July, and the Marathon de Salon-de-Provence in October.

At the end of 2024, I discovered Gorilla laces on social media, and they’ve quickly become essential to my training and races! No more laces coming undone, no more shoes being too tight or too loose during runs — they save time and provide absolute comfort.