The First 50k Sisterhood
15 women creating $15,000 in scholarships as they run their first ultramarathon
The Mission
15 women. 31 miles. One mission: Break barriers and change the face of ultrarunning.
In January 2026, we selected the inaugural cohort of the First 50k Sisterhood from applicants across the country. These women represent different backgrounds, different running journeys, and different reasons for stepping up to the 50k starting line. But they share one thing: the courage to say yes to something that will inspire other women to make bold moves, too.
On June 20, 2026, they’ll cross the finish line at Wild Woman Trail Runs 50k in Trout Lake, Washington — and become the representation they wished they’d had when they started.
Breaking Barriers
Women make up, on average, just 10-30% of ultra fields. We’re changing that by removing financial, educational, and confidence barriers to entry.
Creating Scholarships
Together, the cohort will raise $15,000, funding scholarships that will help other women break into trail running and outdoor sports. Donate to a runner below!
Shifting Trail Media
Our runners are sharing their journeys through training, racing, and community from now though the big race. Follow along with their storytelling below!
Meet the Runners
These 15 women are training to run their first ultra in June. Follow along with their stories on social media and the blog!
Kirsten Anderson
she/her
I’m an aspiring trail runner from Portland, OR, proving that middle age is just the beginning. Five years ago, a neck injury left me wondering if I’d ever hike again – now I’m training for my first 50K. When I’m not trail running, I’m backpacking with a multi-year goal of section hiking the PCT. From 9-5, I work in marketing for a global non-profit, but after hours and on weekends you’ll find me on the trails encouraging other women to try hard things.
Joan Butterton
she/her
I retired in 2022 in order to start my bucket-list trip, to hike all 2,650 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada. I had an amazing time, and have now hiked every mile, after four years, two broken bones, one helicopter hoist rescue, thousands of adventures, and many, many friends for life! From the trail, from my all-women’s running club, and from my theater group for actors over the age of 60, I have learned first-hand the incredible power of community. I believe that the First 50k Sisterhood’s combination of accountability, support, and encouragement will give me the community that I need to tackle this major new challenge, and demonstrate that adventuring has no age limit!
Christine Brydges
she/her
I’m a Boston-based tech worker reclaiming my 5-to-9. After years of letting burnout win, I’m ready to bring adventure back into my life, and the First 50K Sisterhood is how I’m kicking off that next chapter. Running has shaped me since childhood, carrying me through body image struggles and mental health lows. Follow my unglamorous (but fun!) journey!
Tiffany Diep
she/her
I am a pediatric nurse turned stay at home mom. I once defined myself as a hiker, wannabe mountaineer, and novice rock climber, but life looks very different now that my days are centered around my three daughters. I look forward to being a part of the Sisterhood to finally quiet the voice in my head that always said I was too slow to be a runner. I love finding new ways to adventure outside and hope to add ultrarunning as a way of exploring new areas.
Erica Gardner
she/her
I’ve been so fortunate to grow up in the beautiful PNW, including British Columbia and Oregon. I’m a mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter, nurse, and a completely solar-powered human being (give me sunshine). I’m also a woman, striving to listen to my body and inner voice; honour my seasons; and pursue what truly brings me joy and life. I’m truly grateful to be part of this sisterhood, as I care deeply about uplifting and helping women prioritize and invest in themselves, their dreams, and their passions.
Teresita Gonzalez
she/her
I’m a first-generation Mexican American Latina from Queens, NY. I’m a Six Star Finisher excited to take on the next challenge in my running journey as I work toward becoming a 50K runner. I’m excited to be part of the Sisterhood because it’s a space to learn, grow, and lean on one another as we navigate this journey together. Through my miles and fundraising, I hope to pay it forward and help ensure more girls and women have access to outdoor sports and opportunities in the future. I look forward to meeting a different version of myself at the end of this training block.
Shai Goodman
she/her
I’m an athlete, organizer, and coach who really loves to move and get other people moving! A lot of my work, both personally and professionally, centers on making sport spaces more inclusive and vibrant so movement feels accessible to everyone. I’m excited to be part of the Sisterhood because everything is better when you’re part of a team. I’m pumped to push myself, be supported by an awesome group of people, and encourage more folks to get outside and get after it!
Jordan Griffin
she/her
I live in the Seattle area where I am a mother to a one-year-old and work as a Clinical Dietitian. This year has been about maintaining my own identity while navigating motherhood for the first time. Running helped me feel like myself again in the postpartum period and I have a new sense of pride in what my body is capable of. I am excited to join the First 50k Sisterhood and accomplish my first ultramarathon alongside this group of women!
Lekisha Gunn
she/her
I currently live in Chicago where I work in education and community engagement at a bilingual K-8 school. I have also worked full time in the running community with organizations like Girls on the Run. I am so honored to be a part of the First 50K Sisterhood. I have been running since 2012 and most recently completed the Chicago Marathon in 2024 and am ecstatic to attempt my first ultramarathon. Finally, I currently belong to a local hiking group in Chicago, Illinois Black Outside, and am looking forward to the Wild Woman 50K!
Amina Hasan
she/her
I’m a recent college grad, first responder, and lover of all outdoor activities, from backpacking and mountaineering to kayaking and running. In recent years and through working in healthcare I’ve realized that movement can be medicine in so many different ways. Running gives me a personal sense of freedom, allows me to see the world, and push my limits. Growing up, I never saw women who looked like me in the outdoor adventure space, which is something that I hope to work to change. I’m so excited to share my journey and train alongside these amazing women for our first 50K!
Kara Marino
she/her
I’m a stay at home mom of two amazing little ones trying to find balance in motherhood, and running has always brought out the best version of myself. Running an ultra has been a dream of mine but has felt intimidating and unattainable, so I am beyond excited to join the Sisterhood for the support they offer and to train alongside a community of women who share similar goals and passions. I firmly believe getting women outside builds confidence, connection, and lifelong joy and I hope to inspire others along the way!
Lauren Mutrie
she/her
I am a mother, wife, doctor, field-worker, and trail-runner. I am thrilled to be a part of the Sisterhood pack to inspire and celebrate one another over long distances, build positive community, and bring visibility and stewardship to the trails.
Amanda Schollard
she/her
I’m a Hood River transplant that landed in Tucson and woke up one day needing a new challenge. In my endurance era: 70.3 Ironman in the making and my first 50k ultra in June 2026. From professional windsports to home renovations, healthy fueling to intentional living, I’m here to inspire you to do something BIG that you never thought you could.
Song Seto
she/her
I love a challenge. I love adventure. That’s why I run. In 2024, I was stopped in my tracks. After weeks of logging 40 miles a week, my PR (2 miles, 6:03/mi) my legs stopped working. My heart wouldn’t stop racing. After time away, I came back quieter, humbler. I’m runner #88,168 now, breathing, sweating, feeling. Simply put: I’m alive.
Stephanie
she/her
I’m an Army veteran with a passion for endurance sports. Being in the military and a collegiate swimmer, I am thrilled to join the Sisterhood to connect with like-minded women who value strength, community, and the power of the outdoors. I’m excited to push my limits alongside this inspiring group and use our collective energy to empower others!
Click to support a runner on their fundraising page.
OUR BRAND SUPPORTERS
These businesses want to see more women in trail running, too. We thank them for their support of the 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.”
LOWA Boots: “LOWA wants to encourage women in trail running to foster diversity and inclusion, strengthen community participation, promote the benefits of being active in nature and support women’s empowerment — while also aligning with the company’s goals of growing in the trail running market and engaging more outdoor enthusiasts.”
Kelly Fuson Mindset Coaching: “Supporting women in trail running in a way that allows them to connect more with themselves is so important to me. A runner’s identity does not live in a vacuum, and when we intentionally support the growth that it provides, we also see women flourish in other areas of their lives.”
Tailwind Nutrition: “At Tailwind, we’re proud to support women in trail and ultra running by fueling big goals. We’re always inspired by women who are willing to take on big challenges together, and we’re honored to support these journeys with simple, effective nutriti
on they can trust.”
Pen and Paces: “Pen and Paces support women in trail running because choosing hard things builds powerful humans. Trail running is grit, patience, and self-trust and showing up for quiet miles, steep climbs, and moments no one else sees. We’re here to celebrate that effort and remind women: you’ve earned the support.”
Run Slick: “Trail and ultra running are built on community—friends showing up for friends, step after step. We’re proud to support women who are pushing into new distances together, embracing the hard moments, and discovering just how capable they already are.”