The Challenges Women Face in Running and How It Impacts Participation

That’s right folks, competitive races are back on this year. And, what better than the biggest and most rewarding beast of them all, the marathon? While 26.2 miles might seem like a serious challenge, an organised event will give you the motivation to get over the finish-line and push the boundaries of what you think is possible. From secluded coastal paths to big city vibes, here’s our pick of the best marathons in the UK.

1. Edinburgh Marathon

• When: Sun 29th May 2022 / Sun 28th May 2023
• The route: Starting in the grounds of Edinburgh university, the Edinburgh Marathon takes runners on a tour of the fabulous and historical city, passing Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh Castle and finally leading out beyond Arthur’s Seat.
• Run it for: Cobbled streets and historical landmarks.

The Edinburgh Marathon is great for beginners and experienced runners alike, considering it’s a fast one with plenty to feast your eyes on. Sitting prominently within the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, there’s a great sense of camaraderie and you’ll be certain to feel the support of other keen runners and cheerful crowds.  

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2. York Marathon

• When: Sun 16th Oct 2022
• The route: There is a reason this is one of the best marathons in the UK. It kicks off at the University of York, and takes you past a number of this Cathedral city's iconic and historical sites. Described by previous entrants as 'Yorkshire Flat' the route is generally flat, but with a couple of hills to navigate during the 26.2 miles - with one to watch out for around the 5 mile mark.
• Run it for: Tranquil country lanes, and great sideline support.

Top tip, leave plenty of time to get to the certain of York to make your start time. The university is large site and can be confusing if you've never been before!

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3. Snowdonia Trail Marathon

• When: Sun 10th July 2022
• Route: Starting at the bottom of the mountain, the Snowdonia Trail Marathon takes runners on a 1,685 meter climb, which includes tackling Snowdon itself.
• Run it for: Stunning views of Snowdonia National Park.

The Snowdonia Trail Marathon is best for those adventurous ones who aren’t afraid of heights - or calf burn. This is one for experienced runners looking for a new challenge and who understand the challenges of fell running, such as scrambling up paths and finding your way in sparse countryside.

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4. Virgin Money London Marathon

• When: Sun 3rd October 2022
• The route: Best marathons in the UK? Virgin Money London Marathon easily makes a best marathons in the world list. A famous route, the London Marathon takes its runners through the heart of the capital, starting in leafy Blackheath and passing the Cutty Sark, the London Eye and ending with a bang (or bong!) at Big Ben.
• Run it for: One of the best atmospheres in the world.

The London Marathon is an impressive one - which is why it’s so difficult to get a space. There’s a great team spirit and you’ll spot runners in crazy costumes all the way round, even in sweltering heat. Plus, you might even make an appearance on TV, making it extra special.

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5. Salty Sea Dog Marathon

• When: 4th April 2021
• The route: Based in Bournemouth, runners start at Boscombe Pier and travel along the coast towards Henginsbury Head, taking in the stunning views at spectacular Sandbanks. 
• Run it for: Sea air and painted beach huts. 

Salty Sea Dog Marathon is a great one because it’s self navigating, adding an extra level to the challenge. Taking runners along one of most beautiful coastal routes in the UK, it’s a peaceful stunner guaranteed to make you remember why you enjoy running. Don’t forget to grab some fish and chips at the end. 

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6. Royal Windsor River Trail Run

• When: Sun 2nd October 2022
• The route: Starting and ending at Windsor Castle, home of the Queen, this race takes runners on a cheerful flat route along the Thames Valley, passing Boveney Lock and Eton.   
• Run it for: A hopeful sight of British royalty.

The Royal Windsor River Trail Run is great for those looking to dabble in trail running without much worry. It’s a stunning and enjoyable marathon which follows river trail paths and displays some of the best UK countryside.

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7. The Surrey Hills Challenge

• When: Sun 25 September 2022
• Route: Starting in the picturesque village of Witley, the route follows a footpath through scenic trails along Hydon’s Ball, Hascombe Hill and Leith Hill, before ascending into the North Downs Way.  
• Run it for: The next step after a road marathon. 

The Surrey Hills Challenge is great for road runners looking to venture into trail running. This is because it’s a sturdy route almost entirely following footpaths, making it slightly easier than other trail runs, but still a welcome challenge. Expect delightful views and a great atmosphere, as this is a well organised event with plenty to keep your eyes occupied.

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8. Manchester Marathon

• When: Sun 3rd April 2022 / Sun 16th April 2023
• The route: Taking place entirely on closed main roads, runners start on the A56, head through the city centre and out to Altrincham, before returning to Old Trafford for the big finish. 
• Run it for: A flat, fast run where you can aim for your PB.

Surprisingly, the Manchester Marathon is one of the flattest in the UK. Runners enjoy speeding through the city centre and out into the nearby countryside, before looping back to the city. It’s a great one to try and achieve your personal best - or ideal for your first ever marathon.

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9. Brecon Beacons Trail Challenge

• When: Sun 29th May 2022 / Sat 20th May 2023
• The route: Set in the Brecon Beacons, this route takes runners on an adventurous climb of Pen Y Fan followed by its neighboring peak, Cribyn. 
• Run it for: Friendly marshals and the sense of adventure. 

The Brecon Beacons Trail Challenge is a popular one among serious athletes. Climbing the highest peaks in South Wales, it’s a serious calf burner and isn’t one for those without prior hill training. It’s also well known to have a great atmosphere and lots of friendly marshals along the way.

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This is our pick of the best marathons in the UK this year. But there are 100s of other great marathon events to choose from. If you can't make any of the above, then check out our other marathons here.

Feeling the pain of not winning out in the London Marathon ballot this year? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

The London Marathon is the pinnacle of athletics performance in the UK. It sees the likes of Eluid Kipchoge, Shura Kitata and Brigid Kosgei grace the same course as tens of thousands of runners, fundraising heroes, and of course the wacky Guinness Book of Record Breakers (like the man who spent 6 days crawling the course dressed as a gorilla).

What can I do instead of the London Marathon?

Though it’s certainly a special race, the atmosphere, community spirit and camaraderie of the London Marathon can be more than matched by lots of marathons happening across the country this year. 

From the “other” run and the One Day I’ll Do London races on the date of the London marathon itself to beloved marathons in historic Clarendon and Loch Ness, you can still secure a marathon spot for 2022 today–no ballot required!

We’ve rounded up our top five UK marathons happening this year that we’d hate you to miss out on. It’s time to cast your net wide and find the one for you.

Explore 2022 Marathons

1.     XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon

This trail marathon is a challenging mixed-terrain course, great for those looking to push yourself this summer. Forget pounding the pavements and big crowds, this  trail marathon will have you traversing the most picturesque views the UK has to offer. 

There will be plenty of hills throughout as well as some challenging terrain, but for marathon runners looking to get away from the big city and escape out to the country: this one’s a dream.

Bonus:  This event also offers a 10k and Half Marathon, so bring friends and family along for the ride or try out a shorter distance before going for gold next year.

Find out more

2.     PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon

Looking for a Spring marathon instead of a chillier October challenge? Break away from road racing and explore the scenic tracks and lanes of Kent on the PodPlus Kent Spring Marathon.

You’ll make your way through the quaint villages of Charing and Westwell, taking in spectacular views and the encouragement you need from crowds cheering you on in each village. 

Bonus: You can catch a high speed train from London St Pancras and arrive at Ashford International train station within 45 minutes–perfect for city folk and commuters alike.

Find out more

3.     Bacchus Marathon

The Denbies Vineyard estate hosts a marathon that is one for the fun runners out there. This event is a trail race that is more like a party than a serious marathon. Though the course is quite hilly, you’ll be buoyed along by the aid stations en route which are fully stocked with–you guessed it–wine!

No cheap plonk here–you’ll get to sample wine made onsite at the vineyard. What’s more, if you’re not feeling up to the Marathon there is also a Half Marathon and 10k to enjoy too, perfect for anyone looking to get a bit jolly on a summer’s day.

Bonus: Fancy dress is encouraged: this is not drill! Join the party dressed as whatever you fancy, great vibes all round.

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4.     ABP Southampton Marathon

The ABP Southampton Marathon lands on the ultimate weekend festival of running.

The course is pretty undulating throughout with a couple of hills and you’ll explore the historic landmarks of Southampton. This will be a truly memorable experience for everyone as there is always  plenty of sideline support, music and general cheer as you race through this beautiful city.

Bonus: Any Saints fans out there? This marathon goes straight through St. Mary’s Football stadium!

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5.     Milton Keynes Marathon

We couldn’t write about marathons without including this firm fan favourite. 

The Milton Keynes Marathon is voted one of the UK’s best marathons. It’s also a London and Boston Marathon qualifying race, making it the perfect race for anyone looking for a ‘Good For Age’ qualifying entry.

Though this race is smaller than the Manchester and Brighton marathons, this only adds to the friendly, unintimidating feel of the event. There’s also a stadium finish which will spur you on with some last-minute energy to dash across that finish line.

Bonus: Want to bring the rest of your family along? There are plenty of family friendly and shorter races happening throughout the weekend to keep everyone busy!

Find out more

Every cloud…

We know you might be feeling discouraged, but just imagine yourself standing on the start line, feeling the cool morning breeze against your skin, the pre-race nerves dissipating as you start to take your first courageous steps across the start line. Fast forward to crossing the finish line to cheers from your loved ones. 

You can still have that marathon experience this year.

Whether you’re a fun runner, a club runner, or you’ve never run before, don’t let missing out on the London Marathon ballot end your marathon journey: it’s just the beginning. 

Sign up to one of these incredible alternatives to the London Marathon today– even if it’s just a practice run for next year!

Find a 2022 marathon

Our pick of the best half marathons worldwide. Our run down  includes coastal trails, lions and antelopes, cheering crowds and Bellagio fountains. But, most importantly, these are the most outstanding and fun 13.1 mile adventures of 2022 and beyond. Make this year memorable and see where your legs might take you.

1. Great Wall Half Marathon, China

When: 20th May 2023

The route: 5164 vertical steps along one of the great Wonders of the World. Yup, you guessed it, this is for experienced runners only.

Run it for: The history, the bragging rights, the step count. 

Definitely one of the world’s most challenging half marathons. Don’t worry, people do walk up the steps. The field is small at just 2500 overall (including the full marathon) so this is an original experience like no other. The finish is located in Yin and Yang square in the old Huangyaguan fortress so expect some incredible finisher’s photos. 

2. Coastal Trail Series: Gower Peninsular, UK

When: 5th November 2022

The route: A beautiful loop along a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Run along cliff tops, through woodland and along the beach. This race features some of Britain’s most stunning views.

Run it for: The scenery and varied trail terrain. 

Not for the faint-hearted (this race is in Wales which has some of the highest rainfall in the UK) it's perfect for those with a true sense of adventure. But if the weather is good, it’s very, very good. The Gower peninsular is famously beautiful with white sand and blue sea if you catch it on a good day. These races are hugely popular in our London office, being incredibly well organised with an excellent atmosphere and camaraderie. What's more, you can rest easy as there’ll always be an excellent Welsh pub at the end. 

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3. The Big Sur 11 Miler, USA

When: 24th April 2022

The route: It might only be 11 miles, but the beautiful up and down road of the Big Sur coastline makes up for the last stretch. It’s a point to point race, starting at Big Sur station and winding along the coast, up Hurricane Point and finishing in the town of Carmel.

Run it for: Stunning views of the pacific ocean and potential whale spotting.

The event welcomes both runners and walkers, and with the addition of a 21 miler there’s definitely something for everyone. Travellers come from far and wide to cruise this stretch of Route 1 and with completely closed roads, you’ll have it all to yourself. Not to mention the medal, which features the famous Bixby Bridge. 

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4. Athens Half Marathon, Greece

When: 23rd April 2023

The route: Two loops through the city starting in front of the Greek Parliament buildings, around Mount Lycabettus passing the Acropolis twice and taking in the sights of Athens. 

Run it for: The history. Athens was where the marathon was born (and the medal’s pretty good too).

One of the most popular running events in Greece, you can expect some serious support along the route. Supporters turn up in force to cheer you on as you run through the historical district. An excellent way to see the sights without having to brave the museum queues. 

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5. New York City Half Marathon, USA

When: 6th November 2022

The route: Starts at East 72nd Street, passing all the sites like Times Square and Central Park and finishing on Wall Street in Manhattan. 

Run it for: The atmosphere. The streets are lined with supporters and the medal and t-shirt are as cool as it gets. 

Organised by the same guys that run the hugely oversubscribed NYC marathon (NY Road Runners) this event is a huge occasion in the US running calendar. This race is big for elite athletes, expect to share the road with the likes of Mo Farah, Dathen Ritzenhein and Catherine Ndereba.

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6. The Great North Run, UK

When: 11th September 2022

The route: A point to point road race starting in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, crossing over the iconic Tyne bridge and making your way to the coast via South Shields. Undulating route with a max elevation of 65.1 metres.

Run it for: The atmosphere, the wow factor and the post-race pubs.

With 50,000 runners competing in this race, it’s arguably the biggest half marathon in the world. The route will certainly keep you entertained. Expect bands, singers, cheerleaders and thousands of supporters lining the streets. The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, put on a greatly anticipated air show every year. This race really pulls out all the stops. 

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7. Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, USA

When: 18th - 21st February 2021

The route: Run 13.1 miles through Disneyland Florida resort with Mickey, Minnie and the whole gang. The costumes at this race are unrivalled. 

Run it for: Your favourite Disney characters, hanging out with family and friends and all round good vibes.

This is an excellent race for families, there’s a 5k, 10k and kids race as well so why not make a whole weekend of it. This race prides itself on an amazingly light-hearted and fun atmosphere. Dressing up is obligatory; whether it’s Nemo, Elsa, Goofie or Jafar you’ll need to just throw yourself into this one. 

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8. Kauai Half Marathon, Hawaii, USA

When: 4th September 2022

The route: Looped road route starting and finishing in Po’ipu. Runners take in some of the Garden Island’s most stunning ocean views, volcanic peaks and tropical rainforests (including the famous shady tree tunnel - very cool indeed). Total race climb is 251 metres.  

Run it for: The scenery, the hula dancers and taiko drummers en route, and of course the afterparty.

This is the definition of destination half marathon. White sands, perfect blue seas and an incredible atmosphere on the course, who could ask for more. The route takes you on a journey full of natural wonders including  canyons and waterfalls. This really is a half marathon to remember, and we promise it actually is downhill to the finish. 

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9. The Big Five Half Marathon, South Africa

When: 17th June 2023

The route: Run on a mixture of sand, concrete and dirt road. The route takes you through the South African savannah,  through a few hilly sections in wooded valleys and then into lion country. This is a truly wild route and certainly one to tell the grandchildren about.

Run it for: As the title suggests, there’s big game out there. Look out for giraffes, lions and zebras and make friends with runners from all around the world.

This race has been given incredible reviews from so many people, commonly described as ‘an adventure race par excellence’. Expect to book a package for at least a week to go on safari and explore the 220km private game reserve. The Limpopo region is just between Jo’burg and Kruger National Park, and the temperature is around 60 – 75 Fahrenheit during the day so it’s not crazy hot. 

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10. The Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon, USA

When: 26th - 27th Feb 2022

The route: An out and back route along Las Vegas’ most famous lit up casino strip, see the Bellagio fountains and High Roller observation wheel. 

Run it for: A night to remember!

This event is crazy, just watch the video. The organisers have managed to shut down the length of the Las Vegas strip and close the roads for thousands of runners. This is a full sensory experience with a neon light show, music blaring along the course and a pre-race headliner concert. The half marathon starts at 4.30pm on Las Vegas Boulevard, so it’s safe to say you’re straight into the afterparty at the finish line. 

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11. The Hackney Half Marathon, London, UK

When: 21st May 2023

The route: Run your way through East London on closed roads, through the trendy borough of Hackney with live bands and DJs lining the route. 

Run it for: The crowds, the atmosphere and the post race festival.

Our team absolutely love this race, it captures the great spirit of London and the atmosphere is electric. Crowds line the route (some weaving their way home from the night before) and the music is second to none. Expect to see all the London running clubs and charities on the route, and be sure to stick around for the post race festival with a Main Stage and food vans. 

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12. The Sydney Running Festival, Australia

When: 18th September 2022

The route: A twisting route that crosses the Sydney Harbour Bridge and finishes in front of the Opera House. A serious sight seeing tour but without all the tourists.

Run it for: The scenery, the cheering.

It's an early start at 6am but you'll be thanking the organisers by the end, particularly when there's lots of time to party on the beach with a beer in hand! The route is famously scenic, a real grand tour of what Australia's capital has to offer. Expect cheering crowds along the route (it's an excellent one for spectators so bring the loved ones). Best for running rather than walking as there are cut-off times.  

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Think you don’t have time to train today? Think again. Research shows that just 30 minutes of running can have huge benefits on your short-term and long-term health.

Here are the top 7 reasons to lace up your shoes and squeeze in that run today.

1. Burn Fat

Studies across the board show that running for just 15-30 minutes will kick-start your metabolism and burn some serious fat, both during and after the exercise itself. That’s because during a shorter run, your body will use fat as its primary power source, rather than relying on the carbohydrates that play a bigger role as exercise intensity increases.

You’ll also keep burning fat long after your run. After intense physical activity, your body goes into EPOC mode (excess post-exercise oxygen consumption), where it uses the energy from fat and carbohydrates to restore itself to its pre-exercise state. EPOC can last from 15 minutes to a whopping 48 hours; so that 30 minute run could keep you burning fat for 2 whole days.

2. Catch a Runner's High

Simply put, running makes you feel good - even if you can’t do it for that long. Just 10 minutes of aerobic exercise releases a large amount of the mood-boosting endorphins responsible for “runner’s high,” so a quick lunchtime run can make you feel just as good as a longer one. The benefits aren’t just in the moment, either; regular running has countless long-term effects on your mental health, from decreased stress and anxiety to improved energy levels. If you don’t trust the research, just try out short, regular runs for a month and see the effects yourself.

3. Recover Quickly

If you keep your run to 30 minutes, you’re very unlikely to overstretch or overuse your muscles. That means a much lower risk of injury. As long as you take the usual stretching and cool-down measures to recover properly, your body will feel readier and more refreshed when it comes to your next long run. Even if you usually go for longer distances, factoring in the occasional 30 minute run as part of your regular exercise routine can be much better for your  body in the long term.

4. Burn Those Calories

One 30 minute run is guaranteed to burn between 200-500 calories. That’s a fantastic step forwards to your weight loss goal. Or a guilt-free guilty pleasure that day. Or splitting the bottle instead of having a glass. Whatever your goals and priorities are, calorie wiggle-room is always good news.

5. Sleep Like a Runner

When you start running regularly for 30 minutes, you’ll see your sleep improve significantly. And even if you’re used to more strenuous exercise, a shorter run will still give you better sleep than no running at all.

That’s true for both quality and quantity: you’ll both fall asleep faster and spend more time in those deep sleep stages which are crucial for physical recovery. There’s a caveat to this though: try not to schedule your run before bedtime. All those feel-good endorphins will also make you feel alert and awake, so you may struggle to get to sleep in the first place.

6. Look Better, Feel Stronger

If you can run 3-5 days a week for 30 minutes, the internal health benefits will very quickly start to show on the surface, too. You’ll soon see effects like more defined muscles, pounds off the scale, and clearer, healthier skin. Your muscles will be stronger so you can get more out of those gym sessions, and your improved cardio fitness will allow you to try things you perhaps couldn’t before. And that means more confidence, too.

7. ...And Live Longer

It’s a big claim, but the studies show it's true. The fitness level you achieve from regular, shorter runs can add years to your life expectancy. There are a ton of reasons for this: improved circulation, lower blood pressure, a better balance of good and bad cholesterol, lower stress hormones. Your quality of life will also be higher; a basic level of fitness has been linked consistently to better brain and memory function in later years.

The bottom line is that even when you think you don’t have that much time, there’s no excuse not to get out for a quick 30 minute run. If you need some extra inspiration, check out some of the 5k running events coming up soon near you!

Our mission is to inspire people across the world to come together and experience moments that make them feel alive. We believe the true joy and beauty of these moments comes from the diverse experiences, opinions and actions of the people on the start line.

In honour of International Women’s Day 2022 and this year’s #BreakTheBias theme, we wanted to start a conversation about the gender bias in our industry. We reached out to some of our incredible female race organisers to talk about their experience as female leaders in endurance events.

Below you can find excerpts of these conversations, covering everything from their experiences of gender bias at work to what can be done to advance gender equality in our industry going forward.

RACHAEL WOOD

Managing Director at Nice Work

Nice Work put on 240+ self-professed ‘friendly races’ a year across the UK. Their events are designed to be fully inclusive and aimed at runners of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.

LARA DEBENHAM

Co-founder of LK adventures

LK adventures aim to take away any intimidation around races and events by hosting relatively small guided runs through the hills of Wales. Their events are inclusive, adventurous and open to all.

ROSIE STREATER

Co-Founder of Strive Fitness

Strive Fitness are an event organiser with a difference. Rather than exclusively working on races, they organise a range of training events like group runs and weight training sessions.

ON UNCONSCIOUS GENDER BIAS

While improvements made towards total gender equality should be celebrated, there are lots of barriers women face that men don’t. One of those being the experience of work. All of our female race organisers noted aspects of their career that have been impacted by their gender.

Lara, co-founder of LK Adventures, told us that people don’t automatically respect her skills and experience as a woman:

“I come from an engineering background and at times as a young female doing onsite visits, you’re not always seen in the professional sense first”. Lara said that today she enjoys working with female trainers as she feels it creates a supportive atmosphere for women to train in:

“I think the environment you create working with women is particularly positive for females experiencing an event. For example, they may be more likely to speak up if they need to slow down–it helps to create a safe space of inclusion.”

Rosie, co-founder of Strive Fitness, has also experienced challenges as a woman working alone: ”I never liked to be alone working within a gym or doing home visits with clients. It felt like a potentially vulnerable position to be in”.

Rachael, managing director at Nice Work, feels that being a woman has directly impacted her work ethic: “I do think as women we have to work a lot harder. I’ve always been extremely determined and hard working and I think that feels like the only recipe for success”.

ON THE FEMALE EVENT EXPERIENCE  

We know that the stats showing how many women attend events only tell half the story. We wanted to find out if our female organisers believe women feel encouraged, empowered and confident at events.

Rachael told us that pre-covid, the start line would generally be men only: “Women would move further back leaving the front line up to the men, so I’d go on a crusade with my microphone, inviting women to take their place at the front of the race”.

Interestingly, she’s seen that covid-safety measures have helped women feel less intimidated at races: “We started doing staggered start times and a lot of women told me they felt less intimidated and that the new measures eased their race day nerves”.

Rosie from Strive Fitness said she typically sees a drop in numbers of women at races and training in winter over fears around running in the dark. She finds that women who drop their mileage over the winter are often losing out on a key base training phase:

“I really struggle with this personally too. Knowing that you’ll probably be safe and actually feeling safe out running are unfortunately not the same thing.”

ON TRAINING AND SAFETY

To support her female clients with their winter training, Rosie and the Strive team are working on creating a ‘safe group’ of female runners who can run together outside the winter.

Lara at LK Adventures is also passionate about creating a safe space for more women to get involved in sport: “Doing it in a group takes away the stress of ‘I don’t know where I’m going or am I safe?’ Because there are guides there and other people. Also women can make friends, improving that feeling of inclusion even more”.

Strive Fitness also have plans to create a weekly group winter training session for women: “We’re hoping we can also bring in a self-defence expert for some sessions so our runners can feel a little more confident when out alone.”

ON BREAKING THE BIAS

This year’s IWD theme is encouraging women to break the bias, remove stereotypes and challenge discrimination.

Lara believes some of these barriers can be broken down by focussing on creating inclusive event experiences:

“It’s important to nurture female athletes in general. An athlete is anyone who’s interested in sport and we should support them in all stages of their journey”.

Lara has found that introductory and intermediate courses are a great way to encourage women to feel more confident in taking on races and running in general:

“The hardest bit about running is the first bit because you’re constantly out of breath. Having people all together at a similar level gives you that space to think, okay I don’t have to be at a certain level to still be a runner.”

Rosie thinks representation online can help:

“Social media is helping break down barriers. There are far more women at the top of the game in fitness now than there were when I was starting out. They may have been around then but I didn’t have the exposure to them.”

Rachael has set measures in place to encourage women to feel comfortable on the day. At Nice Work events, she has made changes to everything from the pre-race briefing to the post-race prize giving:

“At the beginning of the race, I remind and encourage the men to look behind them, explaining that there may be a super fast female that’s going to overtake you and they should empower them to do that.”

Rachael also calls out the female winners first, “The industry body is outdated. The language is always male then female, and the veteran prize category for males starts at 40+ but 35+ for females! There is inequality there already”.

To #BreakTheBias, both men and women in positions of power must ask what they can do to help in their respective fields. Representation matters and we’re committed to ensuring that whatever your background, gender or circumstance, you feel welcome and empowered to take part. These conversations have highlighted issues we as a business can work on to make sure women feel empowered to enter races, safe whilst they’re training and included on race-day.

Thank you to Rachael, Lara and Rosie for inspiring us with your work and using your position to create inclusive and safe environments for women.

Thanks to ladies like you, there us so much cause for celebration over just how far the industry has come, as Rosie summed up nicely:

“It was 1967 when Katherine Switzer jumped the barrier at the Boston Marathon. That’s within my mum’s lifetime. Now she watches her daughter run ultra marathons and be a race director–that’s progress.”

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Black Girls Do Run UK was founded in March 2019 by Tasha Thompson after 20 years of noticing the lack of representation at events and within the running community, particularly in her hometown of London. Tasha is now a pillar of the running community and continues to inspire us all to get moving. The collective has bustling WhatsApp and Facebook groups as well as keeping everyone up to date on their Instagram.

Previously, when thinking about traditional running clubs, you might imagine a group of lean, middle aged white men dressed in singlets running through the rain. Well, thanks to the work of people like Tasha and crews like Black Girls Do Run UK, that picture’s beginning to change. Tasha and her running collective are doing all they can to dispel traditional images of the running community and to energise the industry by encouraging black women to become runners, because in the end, “you can’t be what you can’t see.”

Black Girls Do Run UK are working hard to break down the various hidden barriers to entry within running. Whether it’s the feeling of not belonging at your local 5k parkrun, or the expectation to look a certain way, or simply finding the term ‘runner’ too intimidating - Tasha is on hand to provide a realistic role model for those who are nervous about entering the space and, ultimately, to spread the joy of running. She advocates the benefits of running not only for physical fitness but for its positive impact on mental health. Ultimately, the benefits of running should be experienced by all, and without the incredible work of Tasha and collectives such as Black Girls Do Run UK, this wouldn’t be the case.

I recently spoke to Tasha about what it means to be a black woman in the industry, a situation which I happen to share with her. Personally, I've always staunchly proclaimed that I’ll never be a ‘runner’. I don’t actually know whether that’s because I didn’t feel like that world was made for someone like me, or I just couldn’t imagine myself taking part or, in fact, because I just don’t enjoy exercise that much! But, while some of what Tasha has to say validated my initial concerns, it did more to counteract them and her joy of running supersedes many anxieties I had and is clearly infectious. You know what, I might actually go for a spin around my local park… at some point.

Gina: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a 'runner', is it something you attach to your identity?

Tasha: I am a runner and running is definitely part of my identity and how I am often identified by others. For me, being a runner is to simply be someone who runs, enjoys running and becomes miserable if they cannot run - because it is such a big and important part of your life and who you are. It is not about racing, speed, distance, fitness levels or running daily, it is a feeling where life isn't quite right without running.

Gina: Which black runners have had the biggest impact on your relationship with running, and in what ways?

Tasha: It’s nobody famous nor an elite athlete, but a woman named Jenny Burrell who I knew from the gym - she was the first black woman I had ever heard of saying she ran the London Marathon and it made me stop and think, maybe I can do it too! I am not sure if Jenny still runs but she has gone on to do brilliant things and is the founder and head of Burrell Education one of the UK's leading-edge educators in the field of modern Pregnancy, Post Baby, 3rd Age (Peri-to Post-Menopause) and Female Fitness, Wellness, Massage + Bodywork Therapies. 

Gina: What's the biggest hurdle that keeps black women from running?

Tasha: It is difficult to hone in on one hurdle, but the main ones are:

Hair: Afro hair whether in its natural state or chemically altered doesn’t react well to sweat and this is often a major off putting factor for black women.

Habit: Once those obligatory school P.E. lessons no longer need to be done, that is the end of any form of physical activity for many women unless they loved it. 

Lack of realistic role models:  There are so many black women who are elite athletes but the majority of us cannot do a quarter of what they can, so they are not always realistic role models for getting black women running and moving.

Body image and self-consciousness: Age-old myths surrounding the ideal runner's body is a massive hurdle for all and is responsible for a lot of anxiety and feelings of inadequacy. Running is a good way to improve personal perception of body image and, as a result, feel less self consciousness because it is about function not looks - but this doesn't happen overnight.

Gina: How much of an impact does not focusing on times, splits or performance have on you and the other women in Black Girls Do Run UK?

Not focussing on the performance aspect of running makes running a possibility for more women. It means that you don’t feel like a failure if you are unable to run a 10 minute mile or if you don’t run a sub 30 minute 5k race. It enforces that your only competition is yourself and from what I have seen runners whose focus isn't on performance are much happier runners, because every day is a PB as long as you are doing your best.

Gina: How important are running collectives like Black Girls Do Run UK in supporting more black women to take up the sport?

Tasha: Collectives such as us and Fly Girl Collective are important because we are focussing on a niche area of women who are underrepresented in recreational running. You can’t be what you can’t see, so being part of a running group that focuses purely on black women and is led by a black woman who runs the run and talks the talk has a domino effect on other women and plants the running seed in the minds of others and the desire to run grows from there.

Gina: 10 years from now, what differences would you like to see within the black running community and the wider industry?

Tasha: I would like to see more black women and women in general running and more groups focussing on niche areas as it’s a win, win for the industry as a whole. Creating these small running collectives grows the sports by encouraging more people to run and includes more people on the start-lines of running events.

Gina: What’s special about having the support of the Black Girls Do Run UK squad at running events?

Tasha: The support we receive from each other is magical and it is so uplifting - we really feel the love. We support each other virtually and in person. Virtually by sending messages of encouragement and congratulating each other and in person by going along to races to cheer each other on.  

Gina: Where does your motivation to keep running come from?

Tasha: Just like many runners I have those moments where I don’t feel like running, or when life outside of running gets hectic and it's impossible to fit it in, but thankfully my motivation doesn’t dip too often and I am very good at fitting runs in around my life. My motivation to run is from not wanting to start from scratch again, because I often crave green space and to experience the free feeling running gives me. Lastly, it's impossible to not to run because I am surrounded by so many inspirational runners.  

Grab the remote, take a seat (be it on the sofa or on your at-home training bike) and prepare to be thoroughly amazed by this line up of epic, tragic, gripping, thrilling, life-affirming, jaw dropping cycling documentaries.

MAMIL, 2018

Sunday in Hell, 1976

Clean Spirit, 2014

The Stars and Water carriers, 1973

Icarus, 2017

Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story, 2014

Slaying the Badger, 2014

Geraint Thomas: The Road will Decide, 2019

The 1991 Motorola Cycling Team documentary, 1991

23 Days in July, 1983

Paris-Roubaix 2016 Backstage Pass, 2016

The last year has seen a running boom unlike any other. As the world came to a standstill, and we all swapped the daily commute with a short walk to the living room, the allocated 1 hour of daily exercise became a source of escape for most. During a time when we were locked in and our lives restricted, it was this simple form of exercise which liberated us.

The numbers paint a similar picture. Between March - May 2020, Strava reported a mind-blowing 82% increase in outdoor recorded activities, while our own surveys have shown that over 50% of people either ran more, or took up running during lockdown.

Yet, despite the huge surge in outdoor exercise, there still appear to be a number of barriers stopping many of these newfound enthusiasts from taking the next step, and participating in events. Keen to find out more about what’s holding them back? We've investigated further to see how many of these myths we can dispel.

Fear #1: I'm not quick enough

We hear this one time and time again. Be it speaking to someone who’s only recently entered their first event, someone who is still on the fence, or someone who waited 20 years before racing - fear of being too slow is commonplace. However, those inside the community - who’ve already made the jump from running to racing  - will testify that this is absolutely not the case.

Sure, there are some people who run fast, really fast. But there are far more people who don’t and at Let’s Do This, we race for joy, not times. Take it from Darren Gillett, who we spoke to after a recent trail running race, “It doesn’t matter how skinny you are, how fast you are, how slow you are, how big you are, nobody looks down on you - everyone’s supportive.”

Did you know?

The average 5k running event finish time in the UK is 33:54.

The average 10k finish time in the UK is 58:08.

And that's only an average, there are plenty of runners who race far slower than that, but still have an epic time.

Fear #2: Races are too intense

Bustling start lines? Runners spitting? Diving to cross the finish line? These are all commonly held assumptions of things which go down at races. Well, let us break them down for you. Now more than ever, start-lines are a friendly and relaxed place, where people line up with a smile on their face and stride in their step. Spitting? Not a chance, this is an absolute no-no within the racing world. The finish line? Sure, there will be a buzz but it’ll be one of elation, relief, and achievement - not of intensity.

Afterwards, you’ll find people hanging around, enjoying a chat, perhaps a cold drink and a hot slide of pizza. There’s a reason it’s called race day, because it’s not about the 1 or 2 hours of running, it’s about the whole experience, from start to finish. Not convinced? Check out our video from a recent event.

Fear #3: I’m not competitive

Retweet. Admittedly, the word ‘race’ holds extremely competitive connotations. Don’t worry though, we’re here to break them down. Just as races aren’t necessarily about times, nor do you have to be competitive to enjoy them. Something which we always stress to first time entrants is that you’re not racing against people, you’re racing with people.

From volunteers cheering you on at every bend to event organisers grafting away behind the scenes to the stranger you meet on the start line, a race is a group activity which covets community and shared experience, not competition. Plus, it doesn't matter if you're first or last, everyone crosses the same finish-line.

Fear #4: These aren’t my people

There’s a common saying that goes, “if you run, you’re a runner.” Well, to add to that, if you’re a runner, you belong at races. Many people think that this smaller community of runners who enter and compete at events are exclusive, cliquey, and unfriendly - this couldn’t be further from the truth.

We asked over 500 runners from across the UK why they took part in mass participation running events. In total, 29.7% people's number one reason was because they are full of people like them, with a shared passion for running. Events are only as good as the people who attend them and, if you're reading this, then these are absolutely your people. In this inclusive and friendly community, everyone is welcome and no one is judged.

Ready to make the jump and enter a race? Well, now's your chance. No risk, no story.

Discover Running Events

Marathon Des Sables is widely regarded as the toughest footrace on the planet. This epic ultra marathon first took place back in 1986, and has now become one of the world's ultimate endurance tests. Participants will run 251km over 6 days, that takes them across the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco. It's suffice to say, this isn't an event for the faint hearted.

When we heard that Spencer Matthews - former Made in Chelsea star, now founder and CEO of CleanCo - was taking part in the notorious ultra marathon, we had to get in touch. Being inspired to take on epic feats can be found in many places. At Let's Do This we get inspired by people we can relate to, doing things we can't relate to (yet) and Spencer is doing just that.

So, Spencer and I jumped on a call to talk all things Marathon Des Sables. What transpired was a raw, genuine and open conversation which will leave you searching for your next epic feat.

Feeling inspired? Check out some of our ultramarathons coming up this year.

Discover Ultra Marathons