SheRACES: The organization that puts gender equality at the heart of racing policies
Born out of media coverage of the case of its founder, Sophie Power, during the 2018 UTMB, SheRACES is a non-profit organization whose mission is to make trail running more equitable for women. By conducting research and structuring concrete operational policies, the initiative has succeeded in bringing about lasting change to industry standards on a global scale. This approach to structural inclusion has been recognized as a nominee in the Social Initiative of the Year category at the Trail Running Awards.
Making the race fair
Before SheRACES took action, there were few structured policies in place to address the specific issues faced by women in trail running (pregnancy, menstrual cycles, equal funding).
The initial rejection of Sophie Power in 2018 served as a catalyst, demonstrating the need for systemic change.
SheRACES has a threefold mission: to guarantee access to starting lines, ensure a fair experience at events, and fully promote women's competition.
Structural innovation: The Child Welcome Policy
The work carried out by SheRACES with the UTMB has become a benchmark in the sector. One of the major advances is the introduction of a Child Welcome Policy, which has become an industry standard.
This policy goes beyond simply deferring a race number due to pregnancy.
It is designed to be inclusive, extending to partners of pregnant athletes, people who resort to adoption, surrogacy, or medically assisted reproduction.
It offers participants the certainty that their place is protected (via a refund or priority access) when they are ready to resume running, thus ensuring equal opportunities in the face of life's events.
Operational deployment and global standardization
SheRACES has also collaborated with UTMB to integrate a set of operational guidelines across its global circuit. These standards, which impact thousands of participants worldwide, include:
Appropriate logistics: Access to sanitary products at all refreshment stations, as well as dedicated areas for women (changing rooms and restrooms).
Coverage and recognition: A strong commitment to equal media coverage for women's and men's races, as well asequal prize money.
Today, these advances are being rolled out on the UTMB circuit and inspiring other major international organizers, from the London Marathon to races in Central Asia.
SheRACES has established itself as a key player, proving that research and dialogue can bring about lasting change in access to and experience of sport.
