It’s not just about course design and amenities though—race organizers should also make sure their marketing materials include images of a diverse set of runners. Kim Levinsky, race director for the Sassquad Trail events in New York and New Jersey, open to all genders, says she makes sure the promo for events isn’t just all pictures of men. “I'm super intentional about putting out a vibe that's friendly and welcoming and inclusive.”
Levinsky also says women tend to seek out as much information as possible about events before deciding to sign up, especially if they’re considering trying a distance that intimidates them. “So we tell them all the details. We want people to know what the terrain is like, where the aid stations are, what we’re serving at mile 50, what the cutoffs are. We list GPS files, elevation profiles, and everything you could ever possibly want to know ahead of time.
10 Bucket-List Trail Races For Women Runners
Photo courtesy Sassquad Trail Running
Where: Throughout New York and New Jersey
Race Director: Kim Levinsky
When: There are events planned for every month through next April
Formats: Basically every possible race format you can imagine
Kim Levinsky hosts a range of Sassquad Trail Party events each year, ranging from straight forward distance-based half-marathons and 100-milers to more unique tests that require some strategizing. The upcoming Squatchy Surprise, for example, is a battle to run the furthest distance over four loops within a time limit. Seems simple, except you choose the loops you get to run at random. These kinds of rules make the event feel less like a hardcore race and more like a party.
Photo courtesy Go Beyond Racing
Where: Eugene, Oregon
Race Director: Renee Janssen
When: June
Formats: 24 hours, 12 hours, 6 hours
If you’re just getting interested in the world of ultra trail running, the Bristow 6-hour race is a good place to start. The course is a 1.05-mile loop through Elijah Bristow State Park, just 30 minutes east of Eugene, Oregon. That distance means that no matter how deep into the event you are, and how cooked you’re feeling, you’re never far from the aid station. When you’re ready for a bigger challenge, you can sign up for a longer time window—or one of Janssen’s other events in the Pacific Northwest with Go Beyond Racing.
Photo courtesy Antelope Canyon
Where: Page, Arizona
Race Director: Harold Bennally
When: April
Formats: Half marathon, 8 mile
The Antelope Canyon X Half Marathon goes through the gorgeous sandy slot canyons within the Navajo Nation near Page, Arizona. Runners get to experience tons of sand and double track roads. Its host, Harold Bennally, says that the event can be quite difficult, especially because of variable weather conditions, and that it tends to attract more women than men. This year's participants, for example, were 65% women.
Photo courtesy Walla Trails
Where: __Walla Walla, Washington.
Race Director:__ Gretchen Walla
When: April
Format: 6 hour
Gretchen Walla planned the first Walla Walla Women’s 6-Hour race back in 2021. Each year since, the course follows the Whitetail Trail, a 4.8-mile loop around Bennington Lake. The trail is mostly double track, with a few single track sections, with about 370 ft of elevation gain. The woman who runs the most loops wins a gift basket, but all people who finish receive a Trail Sisters trucker hat.
Photo courtesy Trail Racing Over Texas
Where: Bastrop, Texas
Race Director: Cal and Rachel Neff
When: May
Formats: 50K, Marathon, half marathon, 7 mile, 10K, 5K
Through Trail Racing Over Texas, Cal and Rachel Neff are bringing world-class trail events to Texas. The Wildflower Trail Race is held in Bastrop State Park, covered in handsome pine, oak, and juniper trees, but has you pass through an area ravaged by a fire in 2011. No matter which distance you choose, the route features some small rocky sections and nice climbs.
Photo courtesy Scout Mountain
Where: Pocatello, Idaho
Race Director: Tanae and Luke Nelson
When: June
Formats: 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K, 23 mile
The Scout Mountain Ultras are a challenging, rugged mountain-running event. Though it is held in June, the organizers say races should come prepared to experience conditions ranging from blazing heat to hail and snow. In fact, the organizers say snow on the course is good, as evidence of the area getting a “normal” amount of snow through the winter. The race also requires people who want to participate in the 100 miler to do at least 8 hours of volunteer work for another ultra-marathon or an environmental group doing work that impacts trail runners.
Photo courtesy Wild Woman Trail Run
Where: Trout Lake, Washington
Race Director: Stephanie Irving, Susan Elliott, Angie Marie
When: June
Formats: 50K, Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon
About to set off for its 14th year, the Wild Woman Trail Run was the first all-women’s marathon offered on either trail or road. The course itself starts at the base of Mt. Adams, but doesn’t feature any massive climbs. Instead, racers are sent through windy forest paths through Gifford Pinchot National Forest and its surrounding timber lands. Once finished, racers will get lunch, can participate in an outdoor yoga class, and plunge themselves into provided cold tub baths.
Photo courtesy Blue Hill Mountain Trail Fest
Where: Blue Hill, Maine
Race Director: Blue Hill Heritage Trust
When: August
Formats: 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K
This race celebrates Blue Hill Mountain, a 934-ft climb that overlooks the coastal town of Blue Hill, Maine. Runners and hikers of all abilities are welcome to tackle any distance option, which are offered with extremely generous cut off times. (For example, 50K racers won’t be pulled off course unless they’re still running after 10 hours.) Be warned though, the longer event you choose, the more times you’ll have to tackle the beastly ascent.
Photo courtesy American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
Where: Cable, Wisconsin
Race Director: Kristi Maki
When: September
Formats: Marathon, marathon relay, half marathon, nordic trek, 5k, kids fun run
Each February since 1973, cross country skiers race from Cable to Hayward along the legendary Birkie trail. In the 50 years since, the organization that puts on the ski event has been committed to keeping the area around Mt. Telemark open for outdoor recreation all year round. As part of this, it’s hosted an annual Birkie Trail Run every year since 2006. The course is a scenic trek through forests with rolling hills and winding singletrack, but ends in a brutal climb of the mountain just 2-miles out from the finish.
Photo courtesy Trail Sisters
Where: Buena Vista, Colorado
Race Director: Gina Lucrezi
When: September
Formats: Half marathon, 10K
A fun and challenging race put on by Trail Sisters through the Rocky Mountains that is only open to women. The route features challenging varied terrain, which will have racers twist and turn through sage brush and ponderosa pine trails with rocks to hop over and sand to power through. Those who tackle the race will be treated to stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks.
Looking for some new gear to wear on one of these bucket-list races? Check out our list of influential new running brands.
