Trail running is a sport built on adventure, resilience, and connection to nature. But when it comes to diversity, the professional side of the sport still has a long way to go. The Pro Trail Runners Association (PTRA) was created to support elite athletes and provide a voice for pros in the industry. While the intent is noble, the execution has often fallen short, especially in fostering true inclusion and representation.
The Lack of Representation
One of the most glaring issues with the PTRA is the lack of BIPOC representation among professional trail runners. The association claims to advocate for all athletes, yet the most visible pros remain overwhelmingly white and from Western countries. This isn’t just about optics—it’s about access, support, and systemic barriers that keep diverse runners from rising to the top.
Without intentional efforts to recruit, mentor, and uplift BIPOC athletes, the PTRA reinforces an industry where the same types of athletes get the biggest opportunities. If an organization claims to represent all pros, then its leadership, sponsored athletes, and media presence should reflect the actual diversity of runners who love and participate in the sport.
Financial and Systemic Barriers
Trail running has long been an expensive sport, with travel costs, race entry fees, and gear creating significant barriers. This disproportionately impacts underrepresented athletes, who may not have the same access to sponsorships or financial backing. The PTRA could take an active role in addressing these disparities by pushing for more equitable sponsorship opportunities and funding programs that help BIPOC runners gain entry into the sport at a professional level.
Sponsorship Inequities
Sponsorship is one of the most critical aspects of making it as a pro athlete, yet BIPOC runners often face an uphill battle in securing deals. The PTRA has the power to advocate for fairer distribution of sponsorships and hold brands accountable for supporting a more diverse roster of athletes. But so far, the association hasn’t made this a clear priority.
Media Coverage and Visibility
The media plays a massive role in shaping which athletes gain recognition and opportunities. Right now, professional trail running coverage heavily favors white athletes, leaving BIPOC runners with fewer chances to gain the exposure needed to attract sponsorships or major race invitations. The PTRA could use its platform to amplify underrepresented voices, but it hasn’t taken significant action to do so.
Lack of Cultural Awareness and Inclusion Efforts
Trail running takes place on lands that are often Indigenous territories, yet there’s little acknowledgment of this in race culture, professional circles, or association policies. Recognizing the history of the lands runners race on and partnering with Indigenous communities should be a priority, not an afterthought. The PTRA has an opportunity to lead the way in cultural awareness but has yet to demonstrate a strong commitment to this aspect of the sport.
What Needs to Change
The PTRA has a responsibility to ensure professional trail running is truly inclusive. Here are some steps they could take to address these issues:
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Increase BIPOC representation in leadership and membership: The association should actively recruit diverse voices and ensure decision-making includes those who understand the barriers BIPOC athletes face.
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Advocate for equitable sponsorship opportunities: Push brands to diversify their athlete rosters and provide financial support for emerging talent from underrepresented communities.
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Support mentorship and development programs: Work with organizations already doing the work to help BIPOC athletes gain access to elite racing opportunities.
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Improve media representation: Use the association’s platform to highlight a wider range of athletes and push for better coverage of BIPOC runners.
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Acknowledge and respect Indigenous lands: Encourage races and brands to recognize and collaborate with Indigenous communities where events take place.
The Bottom Line
The Pro Trail Runners Association has the potential to be a powerful force in the industry, but without real action on diversity, it remains part of the problem rather than the solution. If trail running is truly about community and connection, then it’s time for the professional side of the sport to reflect that by making diversity, equity, and inclusion more than just buzzwords. It’s time for real change.
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