Speedgoat Mountain Races by UTMB Announces The Start Line Project: A Long‑Term Initiative to Increase Female Participation

February 17, 2026

• The Start Line Project is a multi‑year initiative designed to grow female and nonbinary participation in the Speedgoat 50K by 50% through expanded access, targeted education, and meaningful community support.
• By combining scholarships, training opportunities, childcare assistance, and partnership-driven programming, the campaign removes barriers and builds a more welcoming, inclusive path to the start line for all runners.

SNOWBIRD, Utah (February 17, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The Speedgoat Mountain Races by UTMB^® have announced The Start Line Project, a multi‑year initiative designed to increase female and nonbinary participation on the iconic Speedgoat 50K start line.

Created in collaboration with Women of the Wasatch (WoW), a respected Utah‑based running community for women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and allies, The Start Line Project aims to remove barriers, expand access, and create meaningful support systems for women and nonbinary runners who want to take on one of the most challenging and celebrated 50K races in the United States.

A Bold Commitment to Access and Growth

The Start Line Project launches with a suite of targeted programs to build systems of access, support, and inclusion until women and nonbinary runners are meaningfully represented across the field:

• Speedgoat 50K Scholarships
  Five inspiring women selected by Women of the Wasatch received race scholarships that highlight diverse stories and expand representation.
• Webinars & Education Series
  Skill‑building sessions focused on training, preparation, gear, and confidence, open to all runners.
• Women & Nonbinary Discord Community
  A supportive digital space for questions, training advice, and connection across all Speedgoat distances.
• Pre‑Race Training Runs
  Community‑supported runs on June 20 and July 11, designed to help participants feel prepared on Speedgoat terrain.
• Childcare Support
  Extended hours on race weekend through Snowbird’s childcare facilities help remove one of the most commonly cited barriers for parent‑runners.
• Onsite Basecamp Support
  A Women of the Wasatch community booth at Speedgoat Basecamp on July 23 will offer connection, guidance, and encouragement leading into race weekend.

Leading Change in Trail Running

The Speedgoat 50K has long been known as a proving ground for some of the toughest mountain runners in the world. The Start Line Project aligns with the UTMB® World Series’ broader commitment to advancing women’s participation in trail and ultrarunning worldwide.

“This is about removing obstacles, building confidence, and creating community support that lasts,” said Jessica Rinne, Community Engagement Lead for the Speedgoat Mountain Races by UTMB. “We would love to see more women and nonbinary athletes standing at the start line, and we want them to feel seen, welcomed, and fully supported when they get there.”

Rinne added: “For us, this project is about building pathways, not just participation. We’re focused on creating spaces where women and nonbinary athletes feel a deep sense of belonging in trail running and have the support to grow once they’re there. Through our collaboration with Speedgoat Mountain Races by UTMB on the Start Line Project, we’re helping shape a future where more women and nonbinary runners see themselves in this sport and can step confidently onto the start line.”

For more information, including programming details and resources, please visit: https://speedgoat.utmb.world/thestartlineproject. Media-related inquiries may be directed to speedgoat@press.utmb.world.

###

About Women of the Wasatch

Women of the Wasatch is a non-profit, volunteer-based community dedicated to creating a trail running community where all women belong through connection, advocacy, education, and support. They host free, energetic, welcoming events for women, non-binary, BIPOC and LGBTQ folks to explore the world and embrace the highs and lows of trail running. They have 6 chapters across northern Utah, 25 chapter leaders, and over 2500 members spanning from first-time trail runners to ultra-racers.

About UTMB^® World Series

UTMB^® World Series is the trail running circuit that brings together the best athletes in the sport and amateur runners in top international events held in some of the most beautiful places on the planet. The UTMB^® World Series is rooted in a passion for the mountains and respect for the environment and offers trail running enthusiasts the chance to experience the UTMB^® adventure across the globe, with events taking place in Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas. This is the way for everyone to start their quest towards the HOKA UTMB^® Mont-Blanc, where the UTMB^® World Series finals take place. Launched in May 2021 with the collaboration of UTMB Group and The IRONMAN Group, the UTMB^® World Series circuit brings together 64 events in 29 countries. For more information, visit https://utmb.world.