WOMEN IN ADVENTURE
From crossing the Namib Desert by foot and fat-bike to 100-mile ultramarathons through rugged Scotland, every Rat Race event is different. What remains constant is this: women belong in adventure, actively encouraged, fully supported throughout the experience, and celebrated for their achievements.
At Rat Race, we design physically and mentally challenging events that are tough yet achievable. We care about completion, confidence and community, not just speed or results. That ethos closely aligns with the SHE Races mission to level the start line and increase female participation in endurance events.
We’re proud to be an accredited SHE Races event organiser and to be part of a growing movement that recognises inclusivity isn’t a “nice to have”, it’s essential to the future of our industry.
Why This Matters
While women now make up over half of runners globally, they remain underrepresented in longer-distance and ultra events. This gap isn’t about ability, it’s about barriers. Confidence, safety, caring responsibilities, lack of representation and outdated event design all play a role.
The good news? Event organisers can change this.
And when they do, everyone benefits. Inclusive events consistently see higher repeat entries, stronger communities and better participant experiences.
At Rat Race, we don’t leave inclusion to chance. Below are the 10 key commitments we’ve made to ensure women feel welcome, supported and confident choosing our events.
OUR COMMITMENTS
1 / Pregnancy entry transfer support
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.
2 / Breastfeeding
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.
3 / Female Crew & Support
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.
4 / Item Title
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.
5 / Empowering Storytelling
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.
6 / Inclusive Marketing & Imagery
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.
7 / Supportive Cut-Offs & Pacing Expectations
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.
8 / Event Information & Planning
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.
9 / Safety & On-Course Support
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.
Female participant feedback reflects this commitment:
“…this is a challenge that makes you feel safe in an environment that is brutal. Everything is so well organised, from the pre-event Q&A to kit check, they are with you for the whole experience.”
“Exceptional RD and crew who really wanted you to do your best. They went over and above to look after, support and encourage us. Nothing was too much trouble, and they were a huge part of what made it happen.”
“Although I had to retire due to weather, Rat Race put every contingency in place for slower runners and walkers so we could go as far as safely possible. I’ll be back for more.”
10 / Actively Growing Female Participation
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 ARE RESHAPING ENDURANCE SPORTS
Globally, athletes such as Courtney Dauwalter, Jasmin Paris and Camille Herron continue to redefine what’s possible. At the Bamburgh to Edinburgh Rat Race 100, the first finisher was Anna Rutherford, who crossed the line two hours ahead of the first man.
“Women are not just little men. We have our own specific needs, and those were being catered for. I really loved that.”
She also praised Rat Race for implementing female-specific provisions at every pit stop.
Science supports this shift. Over longer distances, women often excel due to efficient fat metabolism, consistent pacing and exceptional mental resilience. This isn’t about comparison; it’s about recognising that endurance comes in many forms.
LOOKING AHEAD
SHE Races guidelines recognise that every event is different, and that inclusion is an ongoing process, not a tick-box exercise. We agree.
If you’re a woman wondering, “Could I do something like this?”
The answer is yes.
And at Rat Race, we’re here to support you every step of the way