representation on trail

By: Heather Brooks

Why do we do it? Why do we willingly pay hundreds of dollars for an undoubtedly painful experience? While each athlete’s “why” is unique, there are certainly some similarities. At its core, trail running grounds us to the outdoors and one another. The backdrop is captivating and there’s never enough single-track to satisfy the spirit. The sound of scree dancing below your feet, the smell of pine baking in the summer sun, these are undeniable experiences for anyone who runs ultras.

Trail running requires an adventurous spirit, tenacious willpower and curiosity of self. Why then, were there only 15 women, out of 146 racers, at the starting line of my last 100-mile race? Why do we see discordant numbers with respect to gender, underrepresented minorities, and the LGBTQ+ population within the ranks of entrants?

I won’t be able to answer or solve these questions for our community here. But what I can do is provide my perspective: sponsored athletes, trail running companies, race directors and coaches can create momentum for visible change. I’ve used my platform, as a La Sportiva Ambassador, to bring awareness and recognition to LGBTQ+ individuals on the trails and deeply believe representation matters. I encourage ambassadors within our sport to bring awareness to underrepresented groups. Running in the mountains invites an array of experiences for which everyone should have the chance to indulge. By representing and promoting athletes of all kinds, who choose to spend their time and energy participating in our sport, we stand to increase diversity, inclusion, participation, and competition.

| msrp $165 w hibiscus/malibu blue m yellow/black

Lightweight performance allows you to maximize speed; whether you are training, racing or logging long days in the mountains.