Women in Ultrarunning: Closing the Participation Gap

Ultrarunning is an emerging area in the sport, with participation in ultrarunning increasing by over 30% in the last four years. As a result, brands are focusing gear and marketing specifically to ultrarunners, live streamed races are taking the internet by storm, and races are becoming more popular with lotteries and events selling out in minutes. Despite this extraordinary growth, female participation lags far behind male, representing approximately 30% of ultrarunners.
 
In this panel, a diverse group of women across media, race directing, and retail will unpack the history behind this gap and explore what’s driving it. The session will close with actionable takeaways for brands, retailers, and race organizers looking to build a more diverse, accessible space in this growing market.