Trail running was born from cultures who moved across land long before it became a sport. Indigenous communities, mountain cultures, endurance traditions from around the world — they all shaped what trail running is today. And yet, modern trail running has spent decades pretending it’s a niche hobby for a very specific type of athlete: white, male, well-resourced, outdoorsy since birth.
That’s shifting — finally — and in ways that matter.
A growing number of trail races aren’t just sprinkling diversity statements into their marketing. They’re doing the real work: acknowledging land, investing in representation, offering scholarships, removing barriers, and partnering with communities who’ve been left out of the conversation for too long.
These are five races actively helping trail running evolve into something more honest, more inclusive, and more reflective of the runners who belong on dirt — not just the ones who’ve historically dominated the start line.
TransRockies Run (Colorado, USA)
Six days through the Rockies, and not just a test of endurance — a test of community. TransRockies has shifted from “be strong enough to show up” to “let’s make sure everyone who wants to be here actually can.” Their scholarship programs, partnerships with advocacy groups, and focus on representation make this race feel like an invitation instead of an insider’s club.
Broken Arrow Skyrace (California, USA)
Broken Arrow doesn’t treat inclusivity like a side quest — it’s part of their identity. Situated in the Tahoe mountains, they’ve leaned into land acknowledgement, partnered with Native Women’s Wilderness, and offered BIPOC race scholarships. This isn’t optics. It’s action. And it’s reshaping who sees themselves as a “mountain runner.”
Bighorn Trail Run (Wyoming, USA)
Held on the ancestral lands of the Crow and Northern Cheyenne people, Bighorn is one of the rare races that doesn’t try to erase the history beneath its course. They’ve made meaningful effort to involve Indigenous communities and support Native runners. For a sport that still forgets whose land we’re running on, this matters more than most people realize.
Diversity Run Series (Various Locations)
Not a single race — a full movement. Powered by organizations like RIDC, the Diversity Run Series intentionally creates space for BIPOC runners through community-focused races, mentorship, and visibility. These events aren’t performative. They build connection, confidence, and belonging for athletes who've been shut out of outdoor spaces.
Black Canyon Ultras (Arizona, USA)
Aravaipa Running has been one of the most transparent race organizations about their diversity commitments. The Black Canyon Ultras offering BIPOC entry assistance and partnering with community groups is part of a larger shift toward representation throughout their entire race ecosystem. They’re not perfect — no race is — but they’re showing up consistently.
Why This Matters
Diversity in trail running doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, acknowledgement, money, representation, and leadership willing to confront the history of the sport — not run around it.
These races are proving what’s possible when inclusion is baked into the foundation instead of slapped on as an afterthought. They’re building the future of trail running: one where every athlete who wants to move on dirt feels like they belong there.
And if you’re someone who’s been trail-curious but hasn’t known where to start — or you feel like the outdoors hasn’t always been built with you in mind — I built something specifically for you.
Want to learn the skills, strength, confidence, and mindset you need to run trails well?
My Road to Trail guide teaches you how to transition from roads to dirt without fear, confusion, or injury. It covers form, fueling, gear, technical skills, climbing/descending confidence, safety, strength, and everything I’ve learned coaching runners into their trail era.
You can find it here: Road to Trail: Build Strength, Confidence, and Flow on Dirt
The trail community is changing — and there’s space for you in it. Let’s get you ready.