Setting the Example: Rachel Bambrick’s Journey in Ultrarunning and Community Building

Rachel Bambrick didn’t start out as a runner. In fact, she only began running after moving to Philadelphia in 2016 for work. Looking for a way to meet people in her new city, Rachel discovered local running clubs. Little did she know this would be the start of an incredible journey into the world of ultrarunning, where she would be setting the example. 

From City Running to Ultra Distances

Rachel’s transition to longer distances came through an unexpected opportunity. In 2019, she participated in the Run Across Haiti, a staged ultra covering 200 miles across the country. “That was, like, my first ultra was part of that whole run,” Rachel explains. “I just really love the mental changes and the experiences that you go through.”

The Potential of Ultrarunning

This experience opened her eyes to the potential of ultrarunning. After completing her first 100-mile race in 2021, Rachel was hooked. She found herself drawn to the mental and physical challenges these events presented. “I’m not winning these races. That’s not, like, my drive behind doing them,” Rachel shares. “I just love learning something new about myself every time that I take on a different distance.” In 2023, Rachel took on and finished the Cocodona 250, a 250-mile foot race across Arizona.

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A Disparity 

As Rachel became more involved in the ultrarunning community, she noticed a disparity. Despite women’s strong performances in ultra-distance events, female participation rates remained low, often around 20-30% at most races. Recognizing the need for change, Rachel founded Women in Ultrarunning. This organization aims to make the sport more accessible and less intimidating for women, setting the example for inclusivity in ultrarunning.

Gender Balance in Ultrarunning

Rachel wants a more balanced split between genders in ultrarunning. Through Women in Ultrarunning, Rachel is holding space for females in the sport. The organization offers educational events, covering topics from nutrition to mental strategies. These sessions provide a safe space for women to learn about ultrarunning and connect with others. “Just trying to give women safe and accessible space to be able to learn about the sport and to make it feel a little bit less intimidating is important,” Rachel explains.

Creating Inclusive Spaces

Rachel’s efforts extend beyond education. She advocates for race directors to implement female-friendly policies, such as pregnancy deferrals and easily accessible menstrual products at aid stations. “Ensuring that if you are marketing a race, if you’re looking at a social media page, that you’re seeing women at the start line,” Rachel emphasizes. She also stresses the importance of showcasing diverse runners, including BIPOC, indigenous, and queer women. Rachel wants to highlight not just the challenge, but also the joy and community aspects of the sport. “I love meeting people out on the trail. I love really cool aid station food and I love wearing glitter when I run,” Rachel shares, illustrating the fun side of ultras that often gets overlooked.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, Women in Ultrarunning is reaching athletes in new cities, aiming to create supportive ultrarunning communities across the country. Rachel’s journey from casual city runner to ultrarunner and community leader shows the transformative power of the sport. Through her efforts, she’s not just participating in ultras – she’s setting the example for a more inclusive, supportive, and diverse ultrarunning community.

“We’re like a better community and like a better world when people have those transcendental experiences,” Rachel reflects, encapsulating her vision for the future of ultrarunning. On her own journey, Rachel looks towards Canada’s Divide 200, a 200-mile footrace in British Columbia. 

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