about us
Mission Statement
The Trail Collective is a collaboration between individual runners, run clubs, coaches, organizations, and community groups who believe in meaningful action to improve inclusion in the trail running community.
Why Inclusion Matters
Who makes up the majority on a start line and who is not represented? How many races offer categories for nonbinary and gender diverse runners? Do brands and ads tend to showcase certain bodies over others? Is running a 5km distance as glorified as running an ultra distance race? Does everyone enjoy the same comfort and safety level when out running? Can every runner afford race registration and travel to races?
We love running, especially trail running, but we know that it is not fully inclusive of all runners. While things are improving, they are still not fully inclusive. The Trail Collective aims to make trail running more accessible by centering the experience of runners who experience greater barriers to the sport of trail running.
We believe that creating and maintaining an inclusive space is a shared responsibility. We invite you to review this material and join us in this endeavour!
When people show up, we want them to feel not only that they are included but that they truly belong!
Where The Trail Collective Began
In Spring of 2023, Erin and Dee ran into each other in a dog park and quickly discovered their mutual love of trail running, equity, and justice (oh, and dogs!). They discussed how glorious it is to be in the woods, but how accessing trails can be difficult or even feel unsafe, particularly for women and racialized individuals. Erin, a natural leader full of forward-thinking vision and joy, shared her dream of creating a group that would take meaningful action towards inclusion by making new space for women, gender-diverse, and racialized people on the trails. She recognized that trail run clubs and races are too often exclusionary spaces. For example, run clubs often say “all paces are welcome,” but the reality is that many people arrive in these spaces only to discover this assertion is not really true. Dee, felt passionate about this vision and sought to translate vision to logistics. By October 2023, they had developed their first “Intro to Trail Running Clinic Series” for women and gender diverse runners.
The series was a big success! Many participants developed a confidence for trail running, greater confidence in themselves, and ultimately a deeper relationship to their bodies and the trails. Since this series, The Trail Collective leadership team has expanded, with 9 runners bringing different skillsets, experiences and a shared desire to cultivate the love of trail running in an inclusive space.
Grants, sponsorship
and partnerships
In 2024, The Trail Collective received a grant from Arc'teryx No Wasted Days Community Grant Program.
In addition, we have partnered with brands such as: Athletic Brewing, Hoka, Kahtoola, La Sportiva, Merrell, On, Petzl, and Salomon. We take care in partnering intentionally with brands that support our mission and vision of improving inclusion in trail running.
If you are interested in partnering with us, please reach out to info@thetrailcollective.ca or via our contact form.
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