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Trail Femmes is a female-led trail running club based in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) of India.
Their mission is to create an inclusive and safe space where female trail runners can connect with nature, inspire, and empower each other.
As a community, they discuss trail running techniques, female-specific gear, navigation skills, safety, hydration and nutrition, and responsible running practices.
“I started this club to provide women with a safe space where they can run with like-minded individuals without judgment, share experiences, and learn from each other. I also saw a need for more women leaders in the trail running community to help others overcome barriers in trail and ultra running.”
What made you start/create the club?
In India, trail running is a male-dominated sport. Many women miss out on the trail running community experience because most club events are led by men, creating an atmosphere where women are often told they need male companionship for trail running. This can be uncomfortable and discouraging.
I started this club to provide women with a safe space where they can run with like-minded individuals without judgment, share experiences, and learn from each other. I also saw a need for more women leaders in the trail running community to help others overcome barriers in trail and ultra running.
There have been few efforts to identify talent or share information to help women participate in major trail or ultra running events. We aim to increase female participation through education and empowerment. Additionally, I wanted to raise awareness about the unique challenges women face in a sport that requires a lot of adventure and exploration, so race directors and other stakeholders can create more inclusive events.
Who is the club for? Who is your typical runner?
The club is currently for women, though we hope to welcome our male allies in the future as we grow. Our vision remains to be a women-led club.
Our typical runner ranges from beginners who can run or walk 5 km to ultra-marathoners or Boston Qualifiers. Our group runs are inclusive and paced to ensure that runners of all levels can comfortably participate.
What makes the club different?
We are the first women-only, women-led trail running community in the country. We break barriers by venturing into trails, getting lost, finding our way, and having our own adventures. This unique approach has sparked increased interest in the community, encouraging more women to take up trail running.
What has been a key moment/milestone for the club?
When I started the club in February 2024, I didn’t know if there would be much interest beyond a few runners. After two months of running with some close friends, we saw a significant increase in participation, with a large number of women joining our group runs from April onwards.
Many runners bought their first trail running shoes during this time and signed up for local trail events. Each month brings new milestones for us to celebrate! From just 4 runners in February, we have grown to a 60-member club in 5 months (and still growing).
To find out more about Trail Femmes, check out their website or find them on social media.
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