For Gina Lucrezi, trail running with a group of women in Colorado, removing old barbed wire fence as a volunteer on public lands in Chaffe County and hosting marathons across the nation are commonplace. As the founder of Trail Sisters — an organization striving to increase women’s participation and opportunities in trail running — Lucrezi is all about encouraging and inspiring other women to get outside and hit the dirt.

In an outdoor recreation industry that’s been long dominated by men, Lucrezi and her Trail Sisters team are making significant strides toward gender equity. Through educational content, a supportive community and a commitment to inclusivity, the team is not only increasing female participation in trail sports but also empowering women to advocate for themselves and others.

This mission is reflected in every aspect of Trail Sisters, from its diverse community to the personal experiences shared by its members.

Lucrezi, a passionate trail runner and outdoor advocate, saw firsthand the lack of female representation in outdoor sports.

“As a woman, athlete, and outdoor industry professional, I couldn’t stand by and allow the current culture to continue down a path that does not include adequate female representation,” Lucrezi explained.

Her vision for Trail Sisters was to create a platform that highlighted women’s voices and provided women with the resources and confidence needed to thrive in outdoor environments.

“I learned very quickly that with boosted confidence, a person is capable of just about anything,” Lucrezi said.

This philosophy is embedded in every aspect of Trail Sisters, from its online journal — featuring stories and advice from women of all backgrounds — to its local group runs and community events.

Events like the Trail Sisters half-marathon in Lake Sonoma, California (which is 98 percent trail and 2 percent road) provide opportunities for women to get out there. By starting small, training and building confidence through community, each year, more and more women are empowered to sign up for events like this — confidently joining other women with a common goal.

Their “Run with Her” trail running retreats invite women of all abilities. So yes, you can go at a slow and comfortable pace. And yes, it’s OK to hike up hills. 

The organization also awards its Trail Sisters Approved badge to races that meet specific criteria prioritizing the needs (and experiences) of women in trail running. Among the big-name races on this list are Javalina Jundred in Arizona, Leadville in Colorado, Speedgoat in Utah, Grindstone in Virginia and Run Rabbit Run in Colorado.

At these aid stations, you’ll find women-specific hygiene products. There will be categories that recognize non-binary and gender-diverse participants. Women can defer their race entry due to pregnancy or postpartum recovery without penalty. You’ll also see women and other marginalized groups in race promotions and in participation. 

This strong emphasis on inclusivity — welcoming all women, including those who identify as sisters of color, Indigenous sisters, LGBTQIA sisters, Trans and Non-Binary sisters, Adaptive Athlete sisters, and White sisters — is what makes Trail Sister’s races so unique. 

“No sisterhood is truly a sisterhood without diversity in every way, as each woman is unique, significant and can provide strength, love and support to her fellow sisters,” Lucrezi said.

This commitment to diversity ensures that every woman can find her place within the Trail Sisters community.

One member, Sarah Thompson, transformed her outdoor experience. Initially hesitant to join group runs due to her pace and lack of experience, Thompson found a welcoming and supportive community that encouraged her to push her boundaries.

“Trail Sisters showed me that it’s not about how fast you run or how far you go, but about the joy and camaraderie you experience along the way,” she said.

Lucrezi relies on a combination of staff and volunteers. At each race, you’ll see volunteers managing aid stations and directing runners. Staff members are in roles like event coordinators. Staff also guide volunteers (acting as a point of contact during the day), help secure permits, work to mark trails, set up start and finish lines and manage timelines.

There’s also more than 160 local women’s trail running groups across the nation with about one-third of the women identifying as beginners. These groups give more than 13,000 women encouragement, community and the tools they need to get out on the trails every year.

Getting Involved

There are a few ways for women to get involved with Trail Sisters:

Join a Local Group Run: Trail Sisters hosts group runs across the country, providing a supportive and fun environment for women of all abilities. These events are an opportunity to meet like-minded women and experience the trails together.

Contribute to the Online Journal: Women share their stories, experiences, and advice through the Trail Sisters online journal. This platform helps women to inspire and educate others while highlighting diverse voices within the community.

Attend Community Events and Workshops: Lucrezi and her team organize events and workshops focused on skills development, safety and empowerment. These events are designed to equip women with the knowledge and confidence to tackle the trails and advocate for themselves in all aspects of life.

Lucrezi emphasized the importance of community in achieving Trail Sisters’ mission.

“For stable and long-lasting changes, it will take advocacy from the entire community. I’m hopeful that both women, men, and those working within the industry can see and understand the benefits of creating a more equitable outdoors for all,” she said.

And Trail Sisters is more than just a community. It’s a movement toward a more inclusive and equitable outdoor experience for women. By providing resources, fostering support, and promoting diversity, Trail Sisters is empowering women to conquer the trails and advocate for themselves in all areas of their lives.

As the organization continues to grow, it remains steadfast in its mission to inspire, educate, and empower women, ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors to its fullest.

Trail Sisters’ success is a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective advocacy. Whether through joining a local group run, contributing to the online journal or attending workshops, women are finding their voices and gaining the confidence to push their limits.

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Suzanne Downing is an outdoor writer and photographer in Montana with an environmental science journalism background. Her work can be found in Outdoors Unlimited, Bugle Magazine, Missoulian, Byline Magazine, Communique, MTPR online, UM Native News, National Wildlife Federation campaigns and more.