Paving the Path: How We Run Long is Making Trail Running Inclusive

In endurance sports, the stories of how individuals began their journeys often reflect broader societal issues. Some have the means to get started while others struggle financially. Some are immediately welcomed and there are others that are kept out through gatekeeping. Kelsey Long and Rebecca Bowman, of the nonprofit organization, We Run Long, along with Becky Croft, are paving the path and showing us how we can transform trail running into a more inclusive space. Through their efforts they are taking on the challenges faced by Black, Indigenous and People of Color athletes and the initiatives aimed at overcoming these barriers.

Personal Journeys to Inclusivity

The conversation for this article was started after Becky Croft posted about Indigenous runners and the Western States Endurance Run. From that singular conversation, introductions to We Run Long took place. Listening to Becky, Rebecca and Kelsey discuss the inequality in trail and ultra running wasn’t new but it was eye-opening. Many people talk about paving the path for today and the future. What this trio of leaders is doing is more than talk.

Kelsey reflected on her experiences at Western States, she shared, “I got a firsthand experience, and I’ve been there the past three years. Different levels of participation. The first year, I was only a spectator. The second year, I was on the crew for an athlete who dropped early in the race. This past year, my athlete, Alex Staten, finished. She didn’t get a buckle, but she completed the course, which was absolutely amazing.”

The finish is amazing because it is a 100 mile race but it’s more than that. Alexs’ journey mirrors that of many BIPOC athletes who face significant barriers to entry in endurance sports. These include high participation costs and safety concerns, often exacerbated by underrepresentation in the sport. This lack of representation and support is precisely what We Run Long aims to address.

Breaking Barriers with We Run Long

We Run Long, co-founded by Kelsey Long and Rebecca Bowman, is dedicated to removing financial and safety barriers for BIPOC athletes. “What we do with our nonprofit is we really try to get Black, Indigenous, and other people of color included in trail running,” Kelsey explained. The organization provides comprehensive support, covering race registration, food, travel, and lodging to ensure that financial barriers do not hinder participation.

Rebecca Bowman elaborated on their approach, “Our first year, one of our sponsors was Gnarly Nutrition. Tailwind was also a sponsor, not monetary, but they provided fuel and resources, which is amazing.” Through partnerships with brands like Gnarly Nutrition, Tailwind, and Black Diamond Equipment, We Run Long secures the necessary resources to support their athletes.

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The Importance of Representation

Representation is a cornerstone of We Run Long’s mission. By showcasing BIPOC athletes in trail running, the organization aims to inspire and empower others to participate. “People like us need to see people like us running on trails and enjoying ourselves and accomplishing our goals,” Kelsey emphasized. This visibility is crucial in creating a welcoming environment for all.

The organization’s efforts are not limited to financial support. They also focus on creating a safe and inclusive community for their athletes. “The financial and safety barriers are gone when you’re part of our group,” Kelsey stated. This sense of community and support is vital in a sport where BIPOC athletes often feel unwelcome or unsafe.

Building Meaningful Partnerships

Partnerships play a crucial role in the success of We Run Long. The key to successful partnerships is that the businesses need to be more than just allies. Partners must take the next steps and become an accomplice. Being an accomplice means that you are willing to do the dirty work and be part of paving the path against the status quo. This can be difficult at the onset but once you have a conversation with Kelsey, Rebecca and Becky you realize that it is not hard at all. The desire to want others to be able to share in the joy of trail and ultra running should come easy which can lead to being a voice for bringing more people to the table.

We Run Long’s collaborations with brands are built on shared values, goals and trust. These types of collaborations prove that being an accomplice can be achieved. “Arc’teryx was our primary sponsor last year. They release a community grant every spring, and anyone can apply to that… Last year, we received that grant, and it was us and at least 20 other community groups doing similar work,” Rebecca shared. These partnerships are paving the path to creating more inclusive spaces within trail running.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

The path to inclusivity is filled with challenges. Kelsey recounted a particularly disheartening experience where she felt unwelcome during a race. “I’m at this race, trying to get up this mountain, and I see the photographer… as soon as I get closer, he puts down the camera, and I don’t have any photos on course,” she recalled. Such experiences highlight the need for conscious efforts to ensure that all athletes feel included and represented.

Despite these challenges, the team remains optimistic and focused on their mission. Their upcoming camp, sponsored by Altra Running and Freestone Endurance, aims to foster community through workshops, running events, and multimedia experiences. “We’re going to be with you at that start line, and we’re going to help you get to the finish,” Kelsey affirmed. This commitment to supporting each other exemplifies the core values of We Run Long.

During the weekend of September 27th, 34 people will become involved in the world of trail and ultra running. There will be guest speakers, like Becky Croft, along with activities such as dancing, meditation and of course, running. Amongst those showing up for this inclusive camp will be athletes looking at their first trail run and others taking on the challenge of their first ultra. All of this done without the obstacles that face many BIPOC athletes such as cost and the feeling of safety.

A Call to Action

We Run Long is not just a nonprofit; it’s a movement aimed at changing the face of trail running. By addressing financial and safety barriers, promoting representation, and forming meaningful partnerships, they are paving the way for a more inclusive sport. As individuals and companies, we can all play a role in supporting these initiatives. Creating a welcoming environment for all athletes should be the easiest thing we do but it starts with us being accomplices.

Kelsey, Becky, and Rebecca’s stories remind us of the power of community and the impact of collective efforts. By working together, we can ensure that there truly is a spot at the starting line for everybody. One person paving the path is a start. An entire collection of people creates meaningful and impactful change.