According to a survey by the Threshold Trail Series, over half of women (54%) say they’d be more likely to take on an ultramarathon event if they knew walking was an option.
The survey, which polled over 1,000 active women, helps to shed light on key barriers to participation and what could help more women embrace ultramarathons.
Organise by Threshold Sports, this year, the Threshold Trail Series – including ultramarathons Race to the Stones and Race to the King – is on a mission to engage 500+ women who have never taken part in an ultra before.
Threshold’s survey also showed that more than half (57%) of female runners suggest positive mental health is the main benefit of long-distance trail running events.
Threshold points out that it welcomes women to take part in its events as walkers, hikers, joggers, or runners. It provides dedicated training plans for walkers created by experienced ultramarathoner Claire Maxsted for its 50k and 100k distances, and makes training as accessible and flexible as possible for women.
Threshold Trail Series events aim to cater for all abilities by offering walker-friendly cut-off times and by providing fully operational and stocked aid stations every 10k-15k for the duration of the event.
Penny Welch, CCO at Threshold Sports, said “In 2025, the Threshold Trail Series will continue to invest in female participation, with a focus on first-time ultra participants.
“We want to bust the myth that ultramarathons are only for elite runners. Our aim is for walkers, joggers and runners alike to cross the finish line, as the sense of achievement can be truly life changing.
“The survey results show us that our walker-friendly cut-off times, walking training plans and fully serviced aid stations all help first-timers tackle an ultra. We’re committed to championing this important topic, empowering even more women to take on greater distances so they too can realise the physical and mental health benefits of trail events.”
Other findings from the survey include:
- Physical and psychological barriers faced by women when stepping up from shorter distance events such as 5K, 10K or half marathons to ultramarathons (50K+).
- Over 40% of women with children say lack of time and family commitments have prevented them from signing up for a running event in the past.
- Over 40% of women say local connection would inspire them to train for an ultra.
- Half of women (50%) want better nutritional advice to take on an ultra.
- 25% of women have safety concerns regarding running at night/in the dark.
