Growing the Pack: Celebrating Women in Ultrarunning at Rabid Raccoon 100
Ultrarunning has always been about more than distance. It’s about curiosity, grit, and the willingness to show up – sometimes unsure, often tired, but always determined. At Wolf Creek Race Management and our Rabid Raccoon 100 race series, those values are at the heart of everything we do, and they’ve guided our commitment to growing a strong, supportive Women in Ultrarunning program that welcomes more women into the sport.
For too long, ultrarunning has carried the misconception that it’s only for a narrow slice of athletes. The reality is that women belong on these trails – in every role, at every pace, and at every distance. Our Women in Ultrarunning initiative is proof that women can run hard, and run far when given the chance.
Creating Access, Not Just Opportunity
Inviting more women into ultrarunning starts with access. Access to a community that believes you belong before you believe it yourself. Rabid Raccoon 100 is proud to be a place where first-time ultrarunners line up alongside seasoned veterans, and where women see reflections of themselves on the start list and out on the course. Our 13-mile loop course offers first-time ultra runners that safe space in which to push themselves farther than ever before, with plenty of support and excitement at aid stations. To encourage more women to give ultra running a try, we offer every woman who registers a free 100m or 100k race entry to pass along to a friend!
Building Community That Lasts Beyond Race Day
One of the most powerful outcomes of the Women in Ultrarunning program is connection. Training partners become lifelong friends. Mentors become trusted guides. Finish lines become starting points for the next adventure. We believe that when women feel supported before, during, and after the race, they’re more likely to stay in the sport, bring others along, and help shape its future
At Rabid Raccoon 100, community doesn’t end when the last runner crosses the line. It lives on in new friendships, shared miles, in what’s possible.
Looking Ahead
Our efforts to bring more women into ultrarunning important to us and have proven to be successful. We’re listening, learning, and growing alongside the athletes we serve. There is still work to be done, and we’re committed to doing it with intention and care. Through the Women In Ultrarunning program, Wolf Creek increased female participation from 2024 to 2025 by 38%, with the long-term goal being total gender equity along the trails.
To the women who are already part of the Rabid Raccoon 100 family, thank you for racing, for bringing along a friend, and for hopefully joining us again this year! To those who are curious but unsure: there is a place for you here.
We’re proud of the trail we’re on – and even more excited about who we’re inviting to run it with us.
This year’s Rabid Raccoon 100 takes place May 29 – 31 at Brady’s Run Park. We hope to see you there!
Sign up at rabidraccoon100.com