SheRaces to launch women-only race series in 2025
When campaign group SheRaces asked 400 female runners if they’d be interested in a women-only race, the response was conclusive: 87% said they would.
The reasons for favouring a women-only race are, it appears, myriad. Sixty-six per cent of respondents said such races have a ‘more enjoyable atmosphere’; 53% said they made them feel ‘safer and more secure’; while 6% said they chose a women-only race for religious reasons.
Other reasons cited included women-only races giving women ‘the confidence to try something new’, whether that’s a new type of event or a longer distance, while the absence or extension of cut-off times was seen as another positive.
While that last point might benefit more pedestrian runners, it’s interesting to note that women-only races also have benefits to those at the front of the pack.
In a mixed-gender race, the women’s results can often get lost; in a women-only one, they are front and centre. As one respondent said, ‘As a fast woman, I wanted to be at the front of the start line and try to win outright.’
Interestingly, of the women surveyed, Asian British and Black British women were most likely to say that they would participate in a women-only race.
But there’s a problem: there aren’t many women-only running events in the UK. So SheRaces is looking to fill that void by launching its own trail series in 2025. There will be three events, all in England.
1. Saturday 7 June – Guildford
A route through the Surrey Hills, a 35-minute train journey from London.
2. Saturday 5 July– Church Stretton
A run through the Shropshire Hills. Accessible by train from Birmingham in 60-90 minutes..
3. Saturday 2 August – Hathersage, Peak District
A route through the landscape of central England – 20 minutes by train from Sheffield; 60 minutes by train from Manchester.
All races in the trail series will satisfy a number of criteria identified as being important to women:
25km and 50km fully marked courses with full logistical details and route fly-by
No cut-offs
Female-only event team at registration and support points
Female-only changing facilities at the start and finish, as well as period products in all toilets
Free training plans for those planning to walk, walk-run or run the courses
Programme of webinars with trail running experts covering all your questions
Female-specific ‘swag’
Support for needs, such as breastfeeding area provision
Industry-leading pregnancy/IVF deferrals
Industry-leading safeguarding policy for all participants
Finish line prosecco (or non-alcoholic alternative)
Sophie Power, founder of SheRACES, said: ‘As well as creating an amazing experience and challenge, our goal is to open up the trails to those who are currently underrepresented – particularly women of colour. Because of this, the locations have been specifically chosen to be within easy reach of public transport from major cities, breaking down the access barrier that many women living in cities face.
‘We are currently seeking a major race sponsor to fund an extensive outreach programme alongside the race series, actively enabling more women to experience the joy of trail running. I know that these challenges have the power to change so many lives and I cannot wait to celebrate with every finisher.’
Register your interest now at sheracestrailseries.com for early access when sign-ups open January 2025, which is when full logistical detail will be released.
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