Our Mission is to increase women’s participation and opportunity in trail running and hiking through inspiration, education and empowerment.
Add your race and make it Trail Sisters Approved today!
The Commitment
In 2019 Trail Sisters created the first of its kind program to support, enhance, and equalize women’s experience in trail racing. Trail Sisters founder Gina Lucrezi created the Trail Sisters Approved Standards in collaboration with runners and race directors as a course of action to provide women the race day experience they deserve.
Lucrezi has been identifying voids of equity in the sport since beginning her professional career in 2009. All segments of the sport and industry need work, but trail races specifically can quickly achieve meaningful change by following the 5 easy to implement standards. The standards are easy to understand, simple to implement and come and no additional costs for race directors.
By implementing these standards race events commit to a welcoming experience for women participants. This will help to increase women’s participation in trail (and ultra) events as well as provide awareness of the needs, expectations, and support, female runners’ desire.
This program is a win for everyone.
Trail Sisters Approved races offer an equal number of podium spots and equal awards amongst men & women participants.
Trail Sisters Approved races provide women’s specific apparel. If offering race shirts, a women’s fit and sizing option must be included. Unisex is not a substitute for women’s specific.
Trail Sisters Approved races will have menstrual products available and visible on all aid station tables in races that are a half marathon and longer.
Trail Sisters Approved races will invite women to be on the starting line. This can be achieved with a designated area (half the starting line for women), or by a simple announcement welcoming women to the front.
Including women on the start line recognizes and celebrates their participation, and provides media coverage and highlight opportunities.
Trail Sisters Approved races will offer a Pregnancy & Postpartum Policy. Whether planned or unplanned, expected or unexpected start or end to a pregnancy, healing and recovery time are required for a woman’s overall health. Policy details are decided by the race director, but we recommend at least one to two years deferral depending on the race distance, and/or a refund option.
Commit to making these simple steps a part of your event. Race Directors can claim their race listing and easily make their race Race Trail Sisters approved. Runners, please help us by spreading the word to Race Directors you know!
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