Two Years of Trail Femmes: Trails, Miles, Smiles & Lot of Magic

And, just like that we turned two!

When Trail Femmes began, it was not about building a huge community; it started as a safe space for women to come together on trails. Just like how many running stores go, what started as a short run turned into a space for women to show up as they are, to test their limits, to find strength in community, and to discover the wild joy of dirt under their feet.

Where It All Began

Trail Femmes was born from a simple but powerful idea: women deserve to experience the trails – on their own.

Road running had communities. Gyms had circles. But the trails? They often felt intimidating, inaccessible, or male-dominated for many women – especially the beginners.

 So, we set out to change that – in a small way initially.

Our earliest runs were small with some familiar faces. Then we had ladies with many firsts – first trail runs, first climbs, first falls, even first run. What we lacked in numbers, we made up for in courage and camaraderie.

Every woman who showed up brought grit. And every run built belief. We were building a Community, not just a Calendar

Over two years, we became:

  • A safe space for women to start their trail journey
  • A circle of friendships forged over elevation gains
  • A support system that extends beyond running

From monthly community connects to run/post-run conversations, our summer mountain trip, the consistency of women showing up – for themselves and for each other – has been the heartbeat of this journey.

Conversations That Carried Us

If you’ve ever run with Trail Femmes, you know the miles are only half the story.

The other half?

Conversations – about life, careers, motherhood, menopause, injuries, self-doubt, nutrition, trail safety, gear awareness, navigation in wilderness, and everything in between. In the running community, especially training community, conversations are never about all these.  For many women, the trails were once unfamiliar terrain. Today, they navigate them with skill and self-trust.

And, somewhere between breathless climbs and shared snacks, club-mates become your therapists.

The Culture We are Most Proud Of

 Ask anyone what defines Trail Femmes, and the answer won’t be pace or podiums.

 It will be culture.

  • There is no “too slow” or “too short a run.”
  • No “not strong enough.”
  • No “not ready yet.”

If you show up, you belong.

 

Representation & Impact

One of our proudest achievements has been visibility.

  • More women know about trail races, gear and updates around the world.
  • More women attempting longer distances.
  • More women leaders of the sport.

As we step in our third year, we hope this representation creates more momentum and change.

Two Years Strong And Just Getting Started

 Anniversaries are moments to pause, reflect, and celebrate.

 We celebrate two years of:

  • Muddy shoes
  • Early alarms
  • Shared laughter
  • Shared snacks
  • Collective grit

We have built something real – something that lives in WhatsApp groups, trailheads, forest paths, and post-run breakfasts. 

But this is still the beginning.

Happy 2 years to Trail Femmes.

See you on the trails.

Check out our Instagram page for more stories and updates –> @trail.femmes

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