Women’s Running Community
There is a flourishing, diverse running community around the globe which is breaking barriers and celebrating difference. From being the first woman to run Boston to creating national trail running groups for women – these women are making history while shaping the world in their own unique ways.
Verna Volker, a Navajo runner, established Native Women Running as a social media page to connect with other Navajo women who share her passion for running. After noting a disconnect between what was seen on social media and traditional running media sources, she set out to create an inclusive space.
She noted the goal is to provide a space where people can come together in a supportive manner rather than competitive. One runner shared that they were running to advocate for Every Child Matters and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW).
Lindsay Lucrezi founded Trail Sisters out of her belief that trail running was underrepresented in media outlets, and women should have more of a say when it came to which trails are covered and how coverage is improved. Since its founding, over 13,000 members and 164 local chapters across the U.S. have become members.
Bonie Shupe is co-founder of Ibex Merino Clothing Co, an ethically-sourced merino clothing brand with certified Climate Neutral status.