Ultra running has boomed in popularity in recent years with increased interest in big events such as the gruelling Barkley Marathon, sweltering desert ultra Marathon Des Sables, and the mountainous Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. Champion female athletes such as Jasmin Paris, Carla Molinaro and Courtney Dauwalter are proving that women can excel in these races, but it seems a lot of us feel we can’t follow in their footsteps. Recent research has revealed that female participation in UK ultra running events has declined since 2019. In 2023, less than a third (30 percent) of UK ultra runners were female. So, what can be done to boost participation and show more women that ultra running is for them? We asked ultra-running converts, event organisers and coaches for their advice.
Which ultra race is right for me?