Hathersage, in Derbyshire, came alive this past Saturday as the SheRACES Trail Series launched its very first race, delivering the gold standard for women’s trail running.
Founded by ultrarunner and gender equity advocate Sophie Power in collaboration with Ourea Events, the event was a landmark moment in inclusive, female-focused sport.
Sophie said: “The SheRACES Trail Series was everything we dreamed it could be, a race where every woman felt seen, supported, and celebrated. This isn’t just about crossing a finish line; it’s about changing the start line for women everywhere. We’ve proven that when we build races with women in mind from the ground up, we create space for everyone to thrive.”
We chatted to Sophie in the lead up to the event all about her ethos in creating female-friendly events. Listen to the UKRunChat podcast episode here.
The debut SheRACES Trail Series event, a women-only 25km and 50km trail race set against the dramatic backdrop of the Peak District just outside Hathersage – was about more than just stunning views. It was a radical reimagining of what trail racing can be when designed by women, for women.
At the heart of the event were the SheRACES Race Guidelines, which challenge long-standing industry norms to create a more inclusive, welcoming environment for women. That meant a fully waymarked route, no cut-off times, plentiful toilets, and sanitary products at every aid station. This, coupled with Ourea Event’s unparalleled operations, medical provision, and mountain safety support, ensured that every participant, regardless of experience or background, felt genuinely cared for.
“It was more than a race, it was a space where I felt I belonged,” said one runner.
“You could feel the difference at every stage, from the support on course to the way other women cheered you on.”
One pregnant participant shared how she received a personal call from the event’s Medical Director before race day: “They just wanted to check I felt confident and supported. That call meant everything, it’s the first time I’ve felt truly seen by a race team.”
These thoughtful, participant-first decisions didn’t happen by accident. They reflect the core mission of SheRACES, a movement founded by elite ultrarunner Sophie Power to make racing more inclusive, safe, and equitable for women. Working with race organisers around the world, SheRACES promotes practical changes to policy and logistics that level the playing field. Their guidelines are rapidly becoming the gold standard for inclusive race design, empowering more women to reach the start line, and to thrive once they do.
From inception to execution, the SheRACES Trail Series is the result of women leading every aspect of the event. The idea was conceived by Sophie Power, with operational delivery by an all-female leadership team: Debs White (Race Director), Kate Worthington (Course Operations Manager), Lorna McBride (Ourea Operations Manager), alongside a site crew, media team, and volunteer network made up almost entirely of women. This holistic representation wasn’t just symbolic, it reflected the ethos of the race itself: empowerment through action, visibility, and community.
“It’s been a real privilege to welcome so many women to the start line today and watch so many people take on their first ultra or their longest run ever, alongside more seasoned women who were here to race,” said Race Director Debs White.
Course Operations Manager, Kate Worthington, added: “We’ve been delighted to share their stories, hear how much they’ve enjoyed the trail and how looked after they have felt by everyone. We are incredibly proud to say that, together, we have achieved 100% finish in both races! A great outcome when so many were tackling an ultra for the first time!”.
Race Results
50km race
- Suzy Whatmough (04:32:58)
- Deki Fourcin (04:42:56)
- Luci Cooke (05:08:31) & Lisa Joyce (05:08:31)
- Rebekah Rotheram (05:12:10)
- Isabelle Ascah-Coallier (05:25:12)
- Emma Harrison (05:25:13)
- Laura Hounslea (05:26:33)
- Ania Mendrek (05:34:15)
- Emma Smith (05:48:34)
25km race
- Kamile Stanelyte (02:31:20)
- Helen Sharman (02:39:18)
- Katie Freestone (02:40:14)
- Catherine Wardle (02:42:59)
- Olivia Hought (02:46:40)
- Althea Lonergan (02:49:57)
- Gabi Everett (02:50:52)
- Aoife O’Sullivan (02:53:22)
- Charlotte Smith (02:56:57)
- Nicky Edwards (02:58:46)
