Women less likely than men to enter running events in 2024

Female participation in organised running events is falling as a percentage of the overall total. The proportion of women on start lines has been in decline since the pandemic and did not improve during 2023.*

Research by entry provider Let’s Do This, for race organiser Threshold Sports shows that the gap between male and female participation in running events increases as the distance goes up, with significantly more men than women taking on marathon and ultra-marathon events.

Only 30% of participants in ultra-marathon events in 2023 were female – a decrease of 2% from 2022. However, Threshold Sports is aiming to turn the tide on this trend through the launch of their Ultra 50:50 campaign, which sets a target to achieve gender parity at their world-famous ultra trail events, including Race to the Stones and Race to the King, in Summer 2024.

Threshold Sports CEO, Nick Tuppen said: “Our goal for the Ultra 50:50 campaign is to increase female participation and level the playing field at the toughest end of the distance spectrum. In doing so we hope to inspire more women to take that next step - or their first - on their running journey. Lack of realistic training resources and accessibility are amongst the key concerns by women, as well as safety and logistics**. We’re aiming to tackle these challenges and reverse the trend of declining female participation through collaboration with brands, communities and ambassadors, and event specific interventions.”

Dr Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport Psychologist, said: “Running is brilliant for your physical, mental and cognitive health. It is an excellent coping mechanism for stress and a great way to connect with others and your community. Working towards and completing ‘life goal’ events such as an ultra-marathon is a great way to boost your self-esteem and earn a true feeling of accomplishment. Every single one of us deserves to feel that so the work being done through the Ultra 50:50 campaign is essential, and I'm sure we will all be inspired by the stories that emanate from it.”