What it's like to run in a female-only race
Race report of the inaugural SheRACES Trail Series
Last Saturday I had the privilege of running in the 50km SheRaces Trail Series, an event I’d managed to bag a press spot at in order to review it for Women’s Running magazine.
The idea behind the event (run in collaboration with Ourea Events) intrigued me – a race exclusively for women. As an ultra runner who is used to running in a field of 80% men, I thought it would be an interesting experience to race in a completely female environment. I was curious to see if there was a noticeable difference in atmosphere, attitude, and perhaps even the way the race unfolded.
What made it even more special was that two of my runners, who I coach, also signed up for their very first ultra because of this race. One of them had initially registered, and then the other followed suit. The fact that it was a female only event gave them the confidence to sign up (you’ll hear all about their experience next week). Both had only previously run half marathons, so this was a big leap to take. After six years of coaching, they were the first of my athletes to take on an ultra. It was a milestone moment that filled me with pride.
The event itself was organised beautifully. It had such a relaxed and welcoming vibe. Before the race began, there were women lounging on bean bags, chatting away, and sharing stories. I overheard many of them talking about how they were never considered sporty at school, often picked last for teams, and how being here – at a race where many shared the same experience – made them feel at ease. It was lovely to witness this kind of open conversation, especially within a community of women who have often been excluded or made to feel less capable in the world of ultra endurance sport.
A highlight of the event’s organisation was the flexibility with start times. Some women, like my runners, opted for an early start between 8 and 8:30 am to give themselves plenty of time to finish before it got dark. It was reassuring to know that there was no pressure to finish within a set time because the race had no cut-offs. This flexibility, combined with the inclusive atmosphere, meant that every woman had the chance to complete the race on her own terms. And remarkably, both the 25k and 50k races had a 100% finisher rate – an incredibly rare outcome, especially in ultra events where DNFs (Did Not Finish) are usually a part of the experience.
There was something especially empowering about seeing women of all ages and abilities. At the start line, I overheard a woman in her 60s ask what she thought was a "stupid question" about the tail walkers. In a race with men, I doubt she would have felt comfortable asking that question, but in this environment, where everyone was there to support one another, it felt like no question was too small or too silly. It was a testament to the event’s atmosphere of camaraderie.
I set of with my running buddy Emma at the mass start at 9.30am. The course was immediately stunning and as we marched up a hill one woman told us not to forget to look behind us at the views. Having run in the Peak District many times before, I can say that this race stood out. It featured a variety of terrains, from steep climbs and fast descents to woodland paths and open moorland, with beautiful purple heather in bloom. There were also sections of hard packed track and scenic views of Chatsworth House. It was a tough but beautiful course.
Meanwhile the aid stations were a sight to beyond. Fully stocked with sandwiches, cakes, crisps, sweets, fruit, and even boiled potatoes (which were a big hit!). These well-supported stations made the race feel more manageable, especially during the longer, more challenging stretches.
Personally, the race went well for me especially since I was coming back from injury and had barely done any training. I was simply relying on my solid base of fitness and mental resilience. My knee started to feel sore halfway through, particularly on the downhills, but I was able to manage it and continue running.
The point where Emma and I really had to dig deep was not some arduous climb or technical descent. Instead it was a 7k stretch along the Monsail Trail that was brutally flat and monotonous. When you’re used to running and hiking on varied terrain, a long flat section can feel like a monumental drag. To keep spirits high, we played alphabet games on repeat.
Emma and I had agreed before the race that we would stick together (and I wouldn’t try to be competitive and ditch her). She started to feel unwell during the second half but was an absolute trooper, pushing through even though she felt sick the whole time. Despite her discomfort, she kept going, trying various strategies to feel better, though nothing seemed to help. Normally we both feel rubbish at some point during a race but it didn’t happen for me this time. My energy felt good the whole way. By the end, I felt pretty strong, and although tired, I had more miles left in me (although my knee might not have agreed). I even managed a sprint downhill, weaving between the bemused sheep.
At the finish line, we were greeted with a glass of Nosecco (alcohol-free prosecco), and Sophie Power, the head of SheRACES, was there to personally congratulate each finisher. I spent the next few hours in the sun, relaxing and watching other runners come in, collecting stories for my Women's Running article to be published later this year. One of the finishers made a sardonic comment about the absence of men urinating or spitting within the first five minutes of the race. It was one of those little details that made the experience feel more welcoming to women.
My runners finished not long after me, both grinning from ear to ear. They were exhausted but thrilled, one of them especially saying how much she had loved the race. I really hope this will be the start of her ultra journey. It was inspiring to see so many smiling - rather than broken - faces at the finish line. It felt like a safe space for women to try something new, without judgment. It was also refreshing to see so many women doing their first ultra – I’d say at least a third to half of the participants were first-timers.
What was most remarkable of all was that the usual gender stereotypes were absent – the men were on the side lines, playing with their children, while hundreds of women were out on the trails, challenging themselves and succeeding. And every single one of them no matter what age, shape, size, colour or level of fitness - felt like they belonged.
Next week hear from an ultra-virgin about what it was like running her first ultra marathon!
Pick of the Week
This week I want to highlight a piece of kit that was not gifted to me (i.e I did actually pay for it) and has been through many, many races with me. It is my treasured dhb women’s short sleeve running top. I bought two of these from Wiggle back in 2023 ahead of Ultra X Tanzania 250km race. I wanted a colour that would reflect as much light as possible as I would be running under the midday African sun, and something that would cover my shoulders to prevent burning and underarm chafing from my running pack.
What I love about this lightweight t-shirt is the aerated mesh back which always keeps me cool. If you look at any photos of me on ultras or multi-day events I am always wearing this t-shirt (for example in the Highlands and during a 100km race). It only cost me £18 (hence I bought two of them) and they are both still in great condition.
While you can’t find this exact t-shirt anymore as a Green Runner I think the principle stands. If you find a piece of kit that works for you, don’t be afraid to keep using it over and over again. If it ain’t broke don’t try to replace it!
Is it OK to ditch a running buddy mid race?
Last week I shared photos of my running buddy Emma Wilkinson, and I, jogging along together at the Hardwolds 40 ultra marathon. There we were in synchronised step running together and posing for selfies. But the truth is I ditched her.
Thanks for reading this week’s newsletter. If you have any running news for me, let me know! Feel free to send feedback to lilycanter@yahoo.co.uk or suggest topics you’d like me to cover.
