How Trail Sisters Informs and Empowers Female Trail Runners

Trail Sisters Events: How, When & Why

Trail Sisters was founded on the ethos of empowering women to participate in trail running. Since she says women report that they feel safest at women-only events, she decided she needed to host some trail events that were only open to women. She has since launched two races: one in Buena Vista, Colorado, now in its fifth year, and another in Lake Sonoma, California, now in its fourth year. The Lake Sonoma event actually existed before the Trail Sisters involvement, with a 50-miler and marathon with men and women’s fields. But since 2023, Lucrezi has been the race director and launched a Trail Sisters Half Marathon, only for women.

Recently, Lucrezi announced that Adidas Terrex would be the presenting sponsor for both events for the next three years. Sponsorships like these allow Lucrezi to make the race more attractive to both elite and novice racers. The Lake Sonoma race now has an elite start and prize money for podium finishers, but also pacers for less experienced runners targeting a 13-hour finish. This makes sure that “people competing in their first 50 or who are intimidated by all the ups and downs that come with running that distance” will feel comfortable participating.

The race also features plenty of activities for friends and family who aren’t participating in a race, plus lots of celebrations and post-race parties, open to everyone. It is important to Lucrezi to make trail running welcoming rather than exclusive. “If someone attends our race as support, maybe they’ll want to give it a try themselves next year,” she said.

In addition to the Lake Sonoma event, Lucrezi puts on a half marathon and 10K on her home trails in Buena Vista, Colorado. The BV race takes place in September, when the aspens are turning golden and the air is crisp. The event is brimming with camaraderie and support, but also gives women a chance to test their limits and sometimes set personal best times.

Source: https://www.fieldmag.com/articles/trail-sisters-empowers-women-in-trail-running