Supporting women in adventure

Life happens, and starting or growing a family should never be a barrier to taking part. If you become pregnant and are unable to participate within our standard transfer window, we offer enhanced flexibility to ensure you’re treated fairly. No one should be penalised for pregnancy or parenthood.  

We recognise that breastfeeding participants may have additional needs and we encourage anyone who is breastfeeding to get in touch with us ahead of the event so we can discuss how best to support them before, during or after. Where possible, this may include providing a chair at pit stops or the finish, and access at Pit Stops to enable carers and babies to meet participants. 

Our HQ team is over 60% female, with an all-female customer service team focused on continually improving the experience for you. Our female-strong team is available for women-specific questions in the lead-up to the event. We provide tailored guidance on kit, clothing and equipment, prioritising fit, comfort and practicality over long distances. 

Many of our events feature female Race Directors, crew, medics and volunteers who understand the practical realities women face during endurance events, from toilet access to period management. Wherever possible, checkpoints, pit stops and overnight locations offer appropriate privacy and sanitation, including gender-specific toilets and changing areas, allowing women to manage practical needs with dignity and comfort. 

We actively celebrate women across our community, from first-time challengers to front runners, through blogs, video and social media. Representation matters, and we are committed to amplifying women’s achievements and voices. 

Our marketing reflects real participants. We showcase women of different ages, body types, abilities and experience levels, from front-of-pack to those focused on completion, so women feel represented.  

Rat Race events are designed around achievement, not exclusivity. We prioritise completion over speed, with supportive cut-off times and pacing structures that welcome run-walkers, first-timers and those balancing training with busy lives. In our inaugural Rat Race 100 mile ultramarathon, we achieved the highest completion rate for this distance in the UK, with 65% of the field finishing at the foot of Edinburgh Castle in 2025.

We provide transparent, detailed information, including course profiles, elevation, pacing guidance and logistics. Removing uncertainty helps participants prepare effectively and reduces a common barrier to entry.

We actively encourage female participation across our events, designing experiences that feel welcoming and achievable. The result is meaningful representation, including a 43% female field at Rat Race 100 in 2026, one of the highest in the UK ultra scene. We are committed to listening, learning and evolving, and we actively welcome feedback from our female participants to help shape better events for the future. 

Women’s safety is a priority before, during and after our events. Measures include a (new for 2026) night-time buddy system on our 100-mile events. All our routes are fully swept and supported by foot and vehicle safety teams, mixed-gender crews and medics at checkpoints, and direct access on the phone to the Race Director and medical team is always available during the live event. Clear behaviour standards ensure a respectful, supportive environment for all.