8 initiatives to encourage women’s participation in trail running
Making trail running a space where women feel fully welcomed and represented is a key challenge for the sport’s development. Their presence must be encouraged and valued, on starting lines, in decision-making bodies, on podiums, and in the narratives that shape the sport’s identity. Every stakeholder in trail running, athletes, organizers, brands, media, and partners, has a crucial role to play in evolving practices and mindsets. This involves implementing concrete initiatives before, during, and after events.
Asaltamontes Female & Women’s Trail Day: a global movement on March 8
On Sunday, March 8, Women’s Trail Day, organized by Asaltamontes Female - an association dedicated to promoting women’s participation in mountain sports through practice, sharing, and mutual support - brought together more than 5,500 women across over 40 cities in 10 countries. The initiative was entirely free and open to all, regardless of experience level. Running, walking, or simply enjoying the trails were the only goals. Each gathering fostered a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging connection and exchange among participants, while strengthening the female trail community. This day helped promote access to mountain sports for all women and celebrate their role in trail running. More information.
Her Trail, Her Horizons by Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB (March 14) : opening the conversation in Braşov
Held on March 14 as part of Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB, the “Her Trail, Her Horizons” event created a dedicated space for dialogue around women in trail running. Designed as an open, educational, and supportive forum, the event brought together athletes, content creators, and experts to discuss key topics such as health, training, nutrition, recovery, and preparation for endurance races. Moderated by Denisa Dragomir (2022 Skyrunning World Champion), the discussion was followed by a Q&A session and a group trail outing in a relaxed, community-driven atmosphere. Additional workshops and practical advice enriched the experience. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader effort that will continue during the main Bucovina Ultra Rocks by UTMB event (July 24–26, 2026), with group warm-ups and dedicated meet-ups for women—demonstrating the organizers’ commitment to inclusion and increased female participation. More information
Girls Trail Camp – Oh Meu Deus by UTMB (March 27-29)
Taking place from March 27 to 29, 2026, in collaboration with the Girls in Trail collective, the Girls Trail Camp – Oh Meu Deus by UTMB will bring together 22 local participants in the Arganil region of Portugal. True to the community spirit of Girls in Trail, this two-night camp will include trail sessions on marked routes — partly following the Oh Meu Deus by UTMB course — focusing on sharing experiences, connection, and enjoyment rather than performance. A participatory workshop will also address challenges, personal journeys, and practical advice. More information and registrations
“Trail, the female body & ultra-endurance: training for a lifetime” – RunMotion Coach listening to the female community
RunMotion Coach, a brand committed to making trail running and training more accessible, develops educational content across its digital platforms. As part of this approach, the brand gathered questions from UTMB World Series female community and addressed them through a digital roundtable featuring female experts and elite athletes. Participants included Manon Bohard (dietitian-nutritionist and elite athlete), Marion Delespierre (sports doctor and world champion in long-distance trail), and Sabine Ehrström (trail coach and PhD in biomechanics). Topics covered key issues for female trail runners: injury risks, training planning and recovery, RED-S syndrome, gear selection, nutrition, sleep, and energy management. The roundtable, titled “Trail, the female body & ultra-endurance: training for a lifetime”, is available as both a video on RunMotion Coach’s YouTube channel and as an audio podcast. The episode is available to watch on YouTube below or via this link.
The Courage to Try: Brooke Welton following in Heather Jackson’s footsteps
In March, the second episode of the documentary series “The Courage to Try”, created by professional ultra-runner Heather Jackson, highlights the journey of Brooke Welton, a young ultra-runner and nursing student. A member of Women of the Wasatch, she competed in the 100K race at Kodiak Ultramarathons by UTMB in 2025, becoming the youngest woman to attempt this distance. The series explores resilience, progression, and the collective dimension of women’s trail running, following athletes balancing demanding personal lives with ambitious sporting goals. This episode focuses on mentorship between Brooke and Heather Jackson, as well as the influence of role models, family, and community—reminding us that while trail running may seem individual, it is always built collectively. More than just race preparation, this episode tells a story of knowledge transfer and legacy between generations, as Heather Jackson herself explains: “I see so much of my younger self in Brooke. Watching her chase big goals reminds me why it’s so important to show up for the next generation.” The episode is available to watch on YouTube below or via this link.
Becca Pink: a charity race supporting the fight against breast cancer
On July 17, in the Aosta Valley, the Becca Pink event will offer a solidarity-driven and inclusive approach to sport. This non-competitive 4 km walk/run, reserved for women, was created in 2022 through a collaboration between the associations Becca di Nona 3142 and V.I.O.L.A., both of which support women affected by breast cancer. Now part of the Monterosa Walserwaeg by UTMB program, the initiative remains true to its original spirit: turning participation in sport into a concrete act of solidarity. The 2026 edition will take place on an accessible course linking several iconic landmarks in the historic town center. Open to women and girls aged 10 to 100, the event can be completed at your own pace — running or walking — without timing or competition. Registrations, open since March 10, 2026, are available via a MyUTMB account. The entry fee is set at €20, entirely donated to the two partner associations and the UTMB Cares solidarity fund, which supports social, environmental, and community projects in regions hosting UTMB World Series events. Through this event, every step becomes a gesture of support, celebrating solidarity, commitment, and the collective strength of women.
Quito Trail by UTMB celebrates International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Quito Trail by UTMB organized a special event to promote women’s participation in trail running. The day began with an 8 km run, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A session featuring Ecuador’s three UTMB finalists: Sandra Jaramillo, Gabriela Vaca, and Maria Vallejo. The event attracted 130 participants, about half of whom were regular runners, highlighting both enthusiasm and growing engagement among women in the sport. More information
The Start Line Project - Speedgoat Mountain Races by UTMB
To further encourage women’s participation, The Start Line Project supports the Speedgoat 50K by UTMB with the goal of increasing female representation on the starting line. In partnership with Women of the Wasatch, the program offers scholarships, webinars, pre-race training sessions, a dedicated Discord channel, and on-site childcare support. This initiative addresses structural barriers limiting access for women and non-binary runners by promoting representation, mentorship, community, and safety. Each year, it aims to create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels supported and ready to take the start. More information
