We’re proud to welcome a new big name to our family: British ultrarunner Josh Wade has chosen Rudy Project as his technical partner for the challenges ahead.
Third at the latest UTMB Mont Blanc® and on the podium at Transgrancanaria, Josh already belongs to the world elite of trail running.
His passion for running is as big as the mountains he comes from. Born and raised in England’s Lake District, he has built his life around the most demanding terrain, with a special love for long distances. Now 31, his goal is clear: to compete in the world’s leading ultra-trail races and establish himself among the very best. His résumé includes victories over multiple distances at Ultra-Trail Snowdonia — among them the UTS 80 km in the 2026 edition — along with podium finishes at major events such as UTMB and Transgrancanaria.
We’ll be working together for an initial two years: Josh will race in our eyewear and, race after race, help us shape the products of tomorrow through his feedback. It’s exactly the kind of partnership we love — putting our made-in-Italy technology at the service of someone who takes on extreme races, terrain and conditions (sun-exposed sections, shifting forest light, mountain nights, rough ground) and growing together.
The first race Josh ran with us was the 80 km Ultra Trail Snowdonia by UTMB®, where he wore the Turbolence. He chose it for the wide field of view and clarity of its spherical lens, and for the sweat-management band built into the frame. It’s a model designed for exactly this: ultra-lightweight at under 30 grams, with an adjustable nosepiece, a ventilation system and ultra-soft temples that adapt to any face. And we make it using materials such as Rilsan Clear, for a more sustainable production process.
“In ultra-trail racing, every detail influences performance: I chose Rudy Project because their products combine precision, reliability and comfort even in the most extreme conditions. The lens is critical — it lets me read the terrain and pick out obstacles and contrasts, both in the dark and under intense frontal light, without straining my eyes at the very moment my body is already pushing every reserve to the limit,” says Josh.
“We work with athletes who see sport as a process of constant evolution, and Josh is the perfect example. Seeing him choose our eyewear for the toughest races fills us with pride,” says Simone Barbazza, our Marketing Director.
With Josh we’re strengthening our presence in trail running, a discipline we believe in deeply: last year we became Official Eyewear of the UTMB World Series 2025-2027 at the sport’s most important global events.
The eyewear Josh chose is the Turbolence with a polarized lens: the model’s lightweight comfort, plus the glare reduction that truly makes the difference in the bright, ever-changing light of the trail. You’ll find it just below.
