December 1-3, 2026
San Antonio, TX

Women in Ultrarunning: Closing the Participation Gap

Dec 02 2026

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM CST

Presented by Women in Ultrarunning

Ultrarunning is an emerging area in the sport, with participation increasing by over 30% in the last four years. As a result, brands are designing gear and marketing campaigns specifically for ultrarunners, live streamed races are taking the internet by storm, and races are becoming more popular with lotteries and events selling out in minutes. Despite this extraordinary growth, female participation lags far behind male, only representing approximately 30% of ultrarunners.
 
In this panel, a diverse group of women across media, race directing, and retail will unpack the history behind this gap and explore what’s driving it today. The session will close with actionable takeaways for brands, retailers, and race organizers looking to build a more inclusive, accessible space in this growing market.  

Speakers

Philadelphia Runner

- Fit Specialist

Sassquad Trail Running

- Trail Party Director

Women Can.

- Founder

Purple Runner Performance LLC

- Owner / Coach

Moderator

Women In Ultrarunning

- Founder / Executive Director