Running has come a long way — but when you look behind the curtain of who’s leading the training groups, designing the programs, and shaping the narrative, it’s still mostly men holding the mic.
Female coaches are out here changing that. But the reality is, women still face more barriers than breakthroughs when stepping into coaching roles. From lack of mentorship to systemic inequities, the running industry hasn’t always been built with us in mind.
That’s changing — but not fast enough.
The Realities Female Coaches Still Face
Even as the number of women participating in running skyrockets, the leadership side tells a different story. Women are still underrepresented as certified run coaches, team directors, and industry voices.
Networking opportunities often lean toward established (and male-dominated) circles. Pay gaps persist. Many women juggle coaching with caregiving or other work, which adds layers of complexity that men in the same spaces rarely have to navigate.
And while there’s more conversation about diversity and inclusion in running, the systems that gatekeep who gets mentorship, funding, or visibility still lean heavily toward men — particularly white men.
For women of color and Indigenous coaches, the barriers can feel even steeper: fewer role models, limited access to sponsorships, and a lack of representation that makes it harder to be seen, heard, or supported.
Why Representation Matters
Representation isn’t a buzzword — it’s the heartbeat of progress. When more women coach, the sport changes for the better.
Athletes see themselves reflected in leadership. Young girls see a future in running beyond just participation. Communities become more inclusive, empathetic, and creative because different lived experiences shape better coaching approaches.
When you bring more women — and especially women of color — into coaching roles, you don’t just diversify the sidelines. You shift the entire conversation about performance, inclusion, and belonging.
The Push for Change
There are organizations leading that charge and rewriting what coaching looks like.
Game Changers, founded by Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell and supported by Brooks Running, creates opportunities for women of color to become certified run coaches through mentorship, funding, and industry connections.
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) continues to drive awareness and accountability within the running world, supporting initiatives that expand access, visibility, and education.
These programs aren’t just filling seats — they’re building systems that welcome voices historically left out of the coaching conversation.
How We Keep the Momentum Going
It’s not just about giving women “a seat at the table.” It’s about rebuilding the table itself.
Mentorship, equitable pay, and visible pathways for advancement matter. So does dismantling outdated ideas about what a “qualified” coach looks like. Creating paid internships, expanding certification scholarships, and amplifying female-led platforms are all tangible ways to level the field.
But perhaps the most powerful change comes from community — women supporting women, allies stepping up instead of speaking over, and the collective willingness to disrupt the old model.
Empowering female coaches isn’t just good for women. It’s good for the sport.
Every time a woman steps into leadership — especially one who doesn’t fit the industry’s default image — she widens the lane for others to follow.
The more we invest in representation, mentorship, and systemic change, the stronger our sport becomes. Not just faster. Not just bigger. Better.
If you’re a woman thinking about becoming a coach, or an organization ready to help shift the narrative — the time isn’t “someday.” It’s right now.
Learn more about programs like Game Changers and RIDC, or connect with me to explore coaching mentorship opportunities.
