The Trail Running Sisterhood
Two distances. 36 women. One Sisterhood.
Maybe you’ve thought about signing up for that trail race, but then told yourself:
- “I don’t know if I can run that far.”
- “I don’t know how to start training.”
- “I’m not fast enough.”
- “I don’t see women like me doing this.”
- “There isn’t anyone to train with.”
We hear you. And the Sisterhood exists to remove those barriers for women who want to become trail runners.
APPLICATIONS OPEN NOVEMBER 2
Choose your adventure distance
In 2027, The Cairn Project is selecting 36 women across two cohorts, racing one weekend at Wild Woman Trail Runs in Trout Lake, Washington.
31 MILES · SATURDAY, JUNE 19
The First 50k Sisterhood
Get the training, gear, education, and support to run your first ultramarathon (31 miles).
Coaching and training plan provided by Microcosm Coaching.
13.1 MILES · SUNDAY, JUNE 20
The First Half Sisterhood
Get the training, gear, education, and support to run your first trail half marathon (13.1 miles).
Coaching and training plan provided by Canyon Wren Coaching.
The 2026 Sisterhood, in their own words
In 2026 we selected 15 women. Teachers. Nurses. Mothers. First-generation trail runners. None of them had run an ultra. Together they raised $23,600 to pay it forward for other girls and women.
"I've never seen myself as an athlete. I do not think I would have even made it to the start line if it weren't for being part of this incredible group. Race weekend was so much more than the race. It was a celebration for all the training, new and old friendships, and discovering my place in the trail community as an athlete."
Jordan Griffin · @nutrition.with.jordan
"Trail running was never presented to me as an option. I grew up in a low-income neighborhood in NYC as the daughter of immigrants focused on survival. There was no representation that made trail or ultra running feel possible for someone like me. Representation is not symbolic — it is survival, it is permission, it is a mirror for the next woman watching quietly and wondering if she's allowed to dream this big."
Teresita Gonzalez · @teresgram_
"Growing up, I never saw other hijabi athletes. I remember going to cross country meets when I was a kid and looking around hoping to see other girls who looked like me. Who had on their brightly colored hijabs and long pants. But I never did, and that's something I hope to change even if it's a little bit."
Amina Hasan · @aminascamera
"The program made me a runner. It's something that I went my whole life wanting to be but never felt like I was good enough to identify as. I feel like I've found a piece of my pre-motherhood self again."
Tiffany Diep · @praksinfullbloom
"The past weekend was the first time I ever took a DNF. It was totally my decision, but one I felt okay with. Now I see that, your journey is your journey. Despite the DNF, I had a joyful experience. We all supported each other. It was truly a weekend for women."
Lekisha Gunn · @lrghrt
"I had fifty reasons not to run a 50K. Somewhere between the long runs and the hard conversations with myself, something shifted. I stopped training for a finish line. I started becoming someone who trusted herself."
Song Seto · @songyseto
What you'll receive
36 selected applicants will receive a complete support system designed to set you up for success in training for and competing in your first trail race.
Trail running shoes
Trail footwear to carry you through training and race day
Built-in community
Private chat with other women with the same goal (more magical than it sounds!)
Gear & nutrition
The tools you need for training and race day, from sponsors who believe in you
Race entry
Your race entry to Wild Woman Trail Runs is covered
Training plan
Customized programming to prepare you for your distance
Coaching support
Community calls and professional resources with expert guidance and Q&A
Storytelling + fundraising skills
Learn to share your journey and inspire others through authentic media content
Weekend experience
Free camping, post-run yoga, cold soak tubs, food from local vendors, and a full weekend of grassroots trail running retreat vibes
Our brand supporters
These businesses want to see more women in trail running, too. We thank them for their support of the Sisterhood!
COACHING · FIRST 50K SISTERHOOD
Microcosm Coaching: "There's this moment when an athlete stops obsessing over the numbers and starts tuning into how she actually feels, and suddenly she's doing things she never thought possible. Not because she suffered more or trained harder than everyone else, but because she got curious and learned to trust herself. Ultrarunning has a way of teaching you that you're stronger and more resilient than you realized."
COACHING · FIRST HALF SISTERHOOD
Acadia Gantz of Canyon Wren Coaching: "It is important to me to see more women in trail running because the trail can teach women so much about themselves and empower them in every aspect of their life. The Trail Running Sisterhood is a beautiful collaboration of folks dedicated to expanding women in the trail running space, and I am honored to be a part of it."
MINDSET COACHING · FIRST 50K SISTERHOOD
Kelly Fuson Performance Coaching: "Women are capable of anything when supported by other women, and trail running in particular can be especially empowering once given enough resources to realize that it’s accessible, possible, and yes, even enjoyable!"
TRAIL SHOES
LOWA: "At LOWA, we believe the best way to discover what you’re capable of is to get out there and Go Find Out. We’re proud to support the Trail Running Sisterhood because it creates opportunities for more women to challenge themselves, build confidence, and find community on the trails. It’s not just about crossing the finish line, but everything they discover about themselves along the way."
BIB KITS
Pen & Paces: "I believe every woman deserves to feel a sense of belonging, confidence, and joy in running, no matter her pace, experience, or background. At Pen & Paces, our mission is to bring joy to the pursuit of hard goals, and we're proud to support the Trail Running Sisterhood in creating a more inclusive, empowering community where more women feel inspired to show up, challenge themselves, and discover what they're capable of." (Cindy Smith)
ANTI-CHAFE
Run Slick: "I believe movement changes people, and more women deserve the opportunity to discover what can happen when they feel confident, supported, and welcome on the trail. We’re proud to support the Trail Running Sisterhood because it creates more than runners—it builds community, removes barriers, and helps women take on challenges they may not have thought possible." (Felipe Niada)
Words from the Sisterhood
Get Out. Give Back.
We believe in adventure as advocacy. Your journey to your first trail race can create opportunities for the next generation of women trail runners. Each participant commits to raising $1,000 for The Cairn Project, funding scholarships that will help other women break into trail running and outdoor sports. Together, the cohort will raise $36,000 to remove barriers for future athletes.
Never fundraised before? No problem, it's what we teach athletes to do every day at The Cairn Project! We'll hook you up with fundraising tools, storytelling skills, and ongoing check-ins so you can feel proud about your fundraising campaign as you train for the race.
In 2026, all 15 women hit their goal, one of them in a single day, and runners described the experience as empowering.
Why Wild Woman Trail Runs?
Wild Woman Trail Runs is the perfect race for your first trail race. Founded in 2012 as the USA's first all-women's marathon and 50k (trail or road), this race has been helping women push their limits for over a decade.
The ideal first race
The course rolls through Pacific Northwest forest paradise at the base of Mt. Adams in Trout Lake, Washington. You'll cross mountain streams, run through dirt trails marked with care, and feel the energy of support at every aid station. There's no cutoff time, so you can find a pace that feels good to you.
A weekend retreat, not just a race
Wild Woman is a full weekend experience celebrating women and trails:
- Free camping at the Mt. Adams base camp
- Post-run lunch with locally-sourced food
- Yoga sessions
- Cold soak tubs for recovery
- Community gatherings and connection
- Uplifting vibes from start to finish
100% women, zero intimidation
From first-time trail runners to seasoned ultrarunners, Wild Woman welcomes all. This is where women take their first trail running steps with the support of a team. Where women embrace their inner wild woman and realize they have zero limits.
Through the Trail Running Sisterhood, you'll get ongoing support from Angie Lake, our Community Manager at The Cairn Project and also a co-director of Wild Woman Trail Runs. You'll have insider support every step of the way!
Who should apply
We're looking for women (ages 18+) who are ready to push their limits and share their journey. You don't need to be fast. You do need to feel inspired to run your first trail race and share your story with others.
Here's what will strengthen your application:
- You're aligned with our mission to close the gender gap in trail running.
- You're willing to document your journey and share your story authentically through collaborative media.
- You have financial or other barriers that make trail running feel out of reach.
- This program would be transformative for you, opening doors you thought were closed.
- You'll fundraise $1,000 for The Cairn Project to support future scholarships.
Selection process
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of volunteers from The Cairn Project, Wild Woman Trail Runs, and the 2026 cohort. We'll select 36 women who embody the spirit of this program and who will benefit most from the support and community.
The trail ahead
- Nov 2 — Applications open
- Dec 28 — Applications close
- Jan 18 — Both cohorts announced
- Feb 6 — Kickoff call
- February — Training begins
- Feb to May — Coaching calls, pod runs, storytelling, fundraising
- June 18 to 20 — Wild Woman weekend. 50k Saturday, half Sunday.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need running experience?
You should have a base level of running fitness, but you don't need trail or ultra experience. That's the point. We'll provide the training plan and support to get you there. If you're able to run or run/walk 3+ miles at least 3 times a week, you have a good base for either distance.
How do I choose between the 50k and the half?
Be honest about your starting point and the months of training ahead of you. The half is the right call for a lot of women, and choosing it does not make your application weaker.
What does the $1,000 fundraising commitment involve?
You'll create a grassroots fundraising campaign (we'll teach you how!) to raise $1,000 for The Cairn Project. This money supports future scholarships for women in outdoor sports. We'll provide all the tools and coaching you need to succeed. It's easier than it sounds, and our Trailblazers do this all the time!
Is travel included to Trout Lake, WA?
You're responsible for your own travel to the race. However, camping at the venue is included, and the race is in a beautiful location in Trout Lake, WA, about 1.5 hours from Portland International Airport. The Columbia River Gorge is a multi-sport paradise, offering world-class hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and stunning scenery. Many participants carpool or coordinate travel together. We can assist cohort members in sharing transportation.
What's expected of me in terms of storytelling?
We'll teach you how to share your journey authentically through social media, blog posts, podcasts, visuals, or whatever medium feels right for you. The goal is to inspire other women and create visibility for our sponsors. We'll provide coaching and tools, you just need to be willing to share your voice.
Is there a cutoff time?
No! Wild Woman Trail Runs has no cutoff time. The focus is on finishing and supporting each other, not racing the clock. You can learn more at wildwomantrailruns.com.
Your trail race starts here
Applications open November 2 and close December 28. Both cohorts announced January 18.
Join a Sisterhood of women who refuse to let barriers stop them.
Want to support the Sisterhood, or have questions about the program? Email [email protected]