For background, I have run 50 milers and now 100km and am preparing for a 100 miler. What I would love? And hear from my few female ultra running friends. More stories from women who are just aiming to finish. Please don’t get me wrong! Courtney Dauwalter and Sally McRae inspire me so much. But it’s not 100 percent relatable to me. I feel like there are so many stories of “average” male runners but relatively few of this female perspective. I want stories and interviews of how they navigated their races and training blocks. It’s true yes that woman are competitive with men for running long distance. But sometimes the highlight of women “who also finish at the front” is almost more intimidating. I know I am not that level. I want to hear about someone like me, just looking to finish and experience.
Me!! I've done trail marathons and 50ks, and usually finish bottom 20. To be clear, I'm also chilling at aid stations, chatting with volunteers and munching on bacon! 😂 The camaraderie and experience is just as important to me than pace, if not more so. Having a faster time isn't worth it to me if it means enjoying the day less. I'm working on my speed, but fun will always come first.
A great video Stephen. I took part in an ultra marathon event last weekend - The Druids Challenge that felt very inclusive. It had a 48% - 52% split with women and men and trust me, I felt very humbled by ALL the women I ran along side! Ultra's are for all, and its very good that Threshold have re-looked at that cut off times. I run for JOY first. Getting to the finish line at what ever time. its the journey, its the fun and all thats in between. Not the timings afterwards.
Why all this women men stuff. They are athletes and I have yet to see a barrier at any race stopping any gender from entering. Maybe some want to be the centre of attention.
My 2 cents, and I'm sure I'll trigger a few women with this. I'll be honest, as a female, I find ultras to be VERY inclusive. I love passing the miles chatting with fellow runners, regardless of gender, and feel better having other runners close by. As far as passing on single track, it's absolutely silly to expect faster runners to run through the shrubbery to give me extra room. It's a race. People lead, people follow, people pass. I definitely prefer having portopotties available, but if it's unfeasible or would raise costs, I'll use the woods like I do in training. Period products are my own responsibility. Races should provide whatever is needed BECAUSE you're racing, like fuel, hydration, and lube. I'll have my period whether I'm racing or not, and they don't take up much room/ weight. I do agree pregnancy deferrals are absolutely a no brainer, and slightly longer cut offs would be nice. I read an article that explained that that is why there are fewer women than men... I hate generalizations, and this does NOT apply to me, but typically, women are less likely to sign up for something they feel they're not properly trained for. If they're afraid of the cutoffs, they often won't sign up. Men are more likely to sign up regardless. But that confidence is something we women need to cultivate, now that we have these opportunities to challenge ourselves. As for safety, I'd need to see statistics on how many crimes/ harassment has occurred during ultras, before saying that greater security is needed for safety. I'm sure harassment unfortunately happens occasionally, but any actual crimes? Races struggle to get enough volunteers as it is, so it's not so simple as having a few extra volunteers along the route. Overall, I hate to say it, but I feel like this inclusion campaign is well intentioned, but missing the mark. Maybe they could do large scale polls/ surveys to see what, if any, issues women actual have faced due to gender, and focus on those. But much of the "solutions" being offered are for the absolute minority of women, and I feel are causing more tension/ discomfort between the genders than positive change. I honestly feel it's dragging us BACKWARDS, practically encouraging segregation... something our grandmothers/ mothers fought so hard to get rid of.
I agree with Kelly. I thought I was the only female who thought this way. It's not the responsibility of the race organization to have women sanitary products. It's also not the responsibility of the race to provide daycare. That's on the parent(s) to figure out and what is referred to as adulting. I need my car's transmission fixed in order to make the drive to the race... should that be the responsibility of the race organization?? Unfortunately, harassment can happen to anyone, ask Tom Evans. What I find disgusting is when women, sometimes men, or races insinuate that I need a 50/50 gender split at a race to feel comfortable signing up. I purposely don't sign up for those races.
I didn't realise that about threshold events, that's great to know. I had looked at race to the kings but wasn't too sure... now it's a much more likely possibility!
How about making it diverse for people who can't afford entry fees of £200 - I believe high entry fees are as much as barrier to women entering events as anything else. Ultra running is a middle class sport.
It's true, prices are rising across the board making it very difficult to justify and nigh on impossible for some to enter. However, many companies also offer credit for volunteering. So, for our Centurion Grand Slam this year, we volunteered for 3 of the four races and got free entry to all three. So we only had to pay for one. I also volunteered this year at the Cape Wrath Ultra, which involved 11 days away from the family in Scotland. It meant I get a free entry for next year's race, saving me well over £1000. So it can be done. You just have to choose your races carefully to take advantage of these kinds of offers.
You see, that's great advice and something I'm certainly going to look at doing next Summer, volunteering I mean, however, I would suggest this is far from common knowledge amongst potential Novice Ultra Runners - could be an idea for a video?@@FilmMyRun
Great set of interviews. Running is a spot where the gap lessens the longer the distance. I'm 100% convinced the only reason there is a gap in ultra events is external factors, and as soon as they're removed women getting 1st place overall in ultras will become a lot more common (it's already happened several times).
Doubt it, in a poor race its possible but Men are genetically stronger its just reality. Women, not all, just need to get on with it, rather than always wanting exceptions being made for them. Would be better if there were Men only and Women only races. Let the Men run with little concern for toilets, sanitation etc. Women's Races can then have all the Ladies want. ie Bathrooms, toilets, sanitary equipment. Easier than whining about diversity its just tedious at this point.
Whether we like it or not, women are still doing more than their fair share of domestic house stuff, cooking, cleaning and childcare as well as working. This leaves less time for training and less time to even think about whether an ultra is possible. 😊
As a man I also do my fair share of work and chores. I am a gardener, I cook and wash up, babysit, drive kids to events, walk dogs, feed cats, do shopping, get firewood, chop it, clean out grate. Do oddd jobs about the house and manage to find some time to run after a daily commute to. A job I hate which I keep doing to provide for the family. There is no body stopping women taking part In ultra running or anything else, just do it and stop the whinging go heavens sake. Same with this si called diversity lark, do it if you want and stop trying to be the centre of attention.
@@wideawake914 - brilliant! And I agree. There needs to be a mental shift. I was not whinging by the way. What you do is amazing. Not everyone has the support you provide and it’s still one sided too often.
@@vanessahobbs7112 not referring to you as whinging but any women who think they have it so much tougher. I'm far from amazing no different than lots of other men. I would swap my job and blasted commute any day to be a stay at home person regardless of how many children I had to look after. Maybe these dark early mornings and dark again evenings are getting to me as usual. I do manage 3 runs a week and my park run most Saturdays. Those not familiar with the concept of what parkrun is look it up and better still start it up in your area. Here is a mad idea Ted. Who says a busy person has to do ultra runs anyway. My challenge is to get my parkrun 5 k time down and that is not one bit easy. Any views on this back yard ultra lark. I like concept, at least you are not out in the remote wilds risking being frozen or roasted or worse being eaten by a bear. A lot of my comments are what English people call tongue in cheek. In Ireland we very much don't mean it as it may come across, called taking the piss or having the craic. The best quote I read regarding running was from George sheehan, you are an experiment of one he said. In other words do what suits you. Anyway I have a baby to change and washing up to do and I have a broom stuck up my arse as I sweep the floor as I go along. The woman is watching TV and is not well as she broke a nail today.
Unfortunately, wideawake's comment demonstrates a significant proportion of the problem and I have seen similar comments in every discussion about increasing diverse participation in any activity. Too many people who are reasonably comfortable and accustomed to taking part are just completely unable to empathise with or understand the barriers to those who don't and have no interest in improving things.
Great video Stephen! Like this alot! Claire
For background, I have run 50 milers and now 100km and am preparing for a 100 miler. What I would love? And hear from my few female ultra running friends. More stories from women who are just aiming to finish. Please don’t get me wrong! Courtney Dauwalter and Sally McRae inspire me so much. But it’s not 100 percent relatable to me. I feel like there are so many stories of “average” male runners but relatively few of this female perspective. I want stories and interviews of how they navigated their races and training blocks. It’s true yes that woman are competitive with men for running long distance. But sometimes the highlight of women “who also finish at the front” is almost more intimidating. I know I am not that level. I want to hear about someone like me, just looking to finish and experience.
Me!! I've done trail marathons and 50ks, and usually finish bottom 20. To be clear, I'm also chilling at aid stations, chatting with volunteers and munching on bacon! 😂 The camaraderie and experience is just as important to me than pace, if not more so. Having a faster time isn't worth it to me if it means enjoying the day less. I'm working on my speed, but fun will always come first.
A great video Stephen. I took part in an ultra marathon event last weekend - The Druids Challenge that felt very inclusive. It had a 48% - 52% split with women and men and trust me, I felt very humbled by ALL the women I ran along side! Ultra's are for all, and its very good that Threshold have re-looked at that cut off times. I run for JOY first. Getting to the finish line at what ever time. its the journey, its the fun and all thats in between. Not the timings afterwards.
Why all this women men stuff. They are athletes and I have yet to see a barrier at any race stopping any gender from entering. Maybe some want to be the centre of attention.
My 2 cents, and I'm sure I'll trigger a few women with this. I'll be honest, as a female, I find ultras to be VERY inclusive. I love passing the miles chatting with fellow runners, regardless of gender, and feel better having other runners close by. As far as passing on single track, it's absolutely silly to expect faster runners to run through the shrubbery to give me extra room. It's a race. People lead, people follow, people pass.
I definitely prefer having portopotties available, but if it's unfeasible or would raise costs, I'll use the woods like I do in training. Period products are my own responsibility. Races should provide whatever is needed BECAUSE you're racing, like fuel, hydration, and lube. I'll have my period whether I'm racing or not, and they don't take up much room/ weight.
I do agree pregnancy deferrals are absolutely a no brainer, and slightly longer cut offs would be nice. I read an article that explained that that is why there are fewer women than men... I hate generalizations, and this does NOT apply to me, but typically, women are less likely to sign up for something they feel they're not properly trained for. If they're afraid of the cutoffs, they often won't sign up. Men are more likely to sign up regardless. But that confidence is something we women need to cultivate, now that we have these opportunities to challenge ourselves.
As for safety, I'd need to see statistics on how many crimes/ harassment has occurred during ultras, before saying that greater security is needed for safety. I'm sure harassment unfortunately happens occasionally, but any actual crimes? Races struggle to get enough volunteers as it is, so it's not so simple as having a few extra volunteers along the route.
Overall, I hate to say it, but I feel like this inclusion campaign is well intentioned, but missing the mark. Maybe they could do large scale polls/ surveys to see what, if any, issues women actual have faced due to gender, and focus on those. But much of the "solutions" being offered are for the absolute minority of women, and I feel are causing more tension/ discomfort between the genders than positive change. I honestly feel it's dragging us BACKWARDS, practically encouraging segregation... something our grandmothers/ mothers fought so hard to get rid of.
I agree with Kelly. I thought I was the only female who thought this way. It's not the responsibility of the race organization to have women sanitary products. It's also not the responsibility of the race to provide daycare. That's on the parent(s) to figure out and what is referred to as adulting. I need my car's transmission fixed in order to make the drive to the race... should that be the responsibility of the race organization?? Unfortunately, harassment can happen to anyone, ask Tom Evans. What I find disgusting is when women, sometimes men, or races insinuate that I need a 50/50 gender split at a race to feel comfortable signing up. I purposely don't sign up for those races.
Yes! Love this. Thank you for amplifying these voices 🙏🏼
You're so welcome! Thank you for watching
Longer cut-off times. These put me off some events as I'm bloody slow but usually get there in the end.
I totally agree. Winning race times seem to be dropping, and I worry that cut-off times will get reduced further.
I didn't realise that about threshold events, that's great to know. I had looked at race to the kings but wasn't too sure... now it's a much more likely possibility!
How about making it diverse for people who can't afford entry fees of £200 - I believe high entry fees are as much as barrier to women entering events as anything else. Ultra running is a middle class sport.
Not to mention all the expensive kit!
It's true, prices are rising across the board making it very difficult to justify and nigh on impossible for some to enter. However, many companies also offer credit for volunteering. So, for our Centurion Grand Slam this year, we volunteered for 3 of the four races and got free entry to all three. So we only had to pay for one. I also volunteered this year at the Cape Wrath Ultra, which involved 11 days away from the family in Scotland. It meant I get a free entry for next year's race, saving me well over £1000. So it can be done. You just have to choose your races carefully to take advantage of these kinds of offers.
You see, that's great advice and something I'm certainly going to look at doing next Summer, volunteering I mean, however, I would suggest this is far from common knowledge amongst potential Novice Ultra Runners - could be an idea for a video?@@FilmMyRun
Great set of interviews. Running is a spot where the gap lessens the longer the distance. I'm 100% convinced the only reason there is a gap in ultra events is external factors, and as soon as they're removed women getting 1st place overall in ultras will become a lot more common (it's already happened several times).
Doubt it, in a poor race its possible but Men are genetically stronger its just reality. Women, not all, just need to get on with it, rather than always wanting exceptions being made for them. Would be better if there were Men only and Women only races. Let the Men run with little concern for toilets, sanitation etc. Women's Races can then have all the Ladies want. ie Bathrooms, toilets, sanitary equipment. Easier than whining about diversity its just tedious at this point.
Whether we like it or not, women are still doing more than their fair share of domestic house stuff, cooking, cleaning and childcare as well as working. This leaves less time for training and less time to even think about whether an ultra is possible. 😊
As a man I also do my fair share of work and chores. I am a gardener, I cook and wash up, babysit, drive kids to events, walk dogs, feed cats, do shopping, get firewood, chop it, clean out grate. Do oddd jobs about the house and manage to find some time to run after a daily commute to. A job I hate which I keep doing to provide for the family. There is no body stopping women taking part In ultra running or anything else, just do it and stop the whinging go heavens sake. Same with this si called diversity lark, do it if you want and stop trying to be the centre of attention.
@@wideawake914 - brilliant! And I agree. There needs to be a mental shift. I was not whinging by the way. What you do is amazing. Not everyone has the support you provide and it’s still one sided too often.
@@wideawake914men who do 50% of the childcare generally don’t refer to looking after their own child as “babysitting”.
@@vanessahobbs7112 not referring to you as whinging but any women who think they have it so much tougher. I'm far from amazing no different than lots of other men. I would swap my job and blasted commute any day to be a stay at home person regardless of how many children I had to look after. Maybe these dark early mornings and dark again evenings are getting to me as usual. I do manage 3 runs a week and my park run most Saturdays. Those not familiar with the concept of what parkrun is look it up and better still start it up in your area. Here is a mad idea Ted. Who says a busy person has to do ultra runs anyway. My challenge is to get my parkrun 5 k time down and that is not one bit easy. Any views on this back yard ultra lark. I like concept, at least you are not out in the remote wilds risking being frozen or roasted or worse being eaten by a bear. A lot of my comments are what English people call tongue in cheek. In Ireland we very much don't mean it as it may come across, called taking the piss or having the craic. The best quote I read regarding running was from George sheehan, you are an experiment of one he said. In other words do what suits you. Anyway I have a baby to change and washing up to do and I have a broom stuck up my arse as I sweep the floor as I go along. The woman is watching TV and is not well as she broke a nail today.
Unfortunately, wideawake's comment demonstrates a significant proportion of the problem and I have seen similar comments in every discussion about increasing diverse participation in any activity. Too many people who are reasonably comfortable and accustomed to taking part are just completely unable to empathise with or understand the barriers to those who don't and have no interest in improving things.