Our Women-Friendly Practices
We prioritize increasing the participation rate of women athletes in our running events. Starting from İznik Ultra 2025, we commit to meeting SheRaces* standards.
We want more women to run on trails, especially ultra-trail distances. More importantly, we aim to create an experience where women feel safer, can focus on running, and fully enjoy the joy of running.
Every year, we consider how MORE WOMEN can participate and implement various measures accordingly. Thanks to these efforts, as well as Turkey’s general momentum, the participation rate of women in our races is on the rise. Below is a graph specific to İznik Ultra:
However, when we analyze the distances, we see that long-distance running is still male-dominated.
| Course | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Iznik Ultra 160K | 3% |
| Total courses over 75K | 7% |
| Total courses over 50K | 15% |
| Derbent Trail 25K | 26% |
| Opel Çamdibi 14K | 43% |
| 5K Iznik Historical City Run | 46% |
We see great potential for increasing the participation of women in long-distance running.
Accordingly, starting from İznik Ultra 2025, we are focusing our efforts on achieving two key goals:
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To achieve a balanced participant ratio of 50% women and 50% men.
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To encourage female participation in long-distance courses, introducing more women to ultramarathons and increasing their representation in this field.
These goals are strong steps toward not only integrating women into sports but also empowering them to become inspiring role models for others.
Be part of this transformation—let’s run together and take stronger steps forward!
What are we doing to achieve these goals?
We avoid using gendered language when describing races or courses.
We ensure diversity in our visual content to reflect all genders, ages, and experience levels.
We refrain from making races unnecessarily challenging or using exclusionary terminology.
We produce t-shirts in different cuts for men and women.
We set course time limits around a 12-minute per kilometer pace to accommodate all age and performance groups.
We ensure separate women’s restrooms in areas with multiple WC cabins.
We provide separate changing areas for men and women at the start, finish, and most checkpoints.
We take reports of unacceptable behavior and harassment seriously and act swiftly.
Starting from 2025, sanitary products will be available at checkpoints if needed.
We support pregnant athletes by allowing them to defer their race participation for up to two years.
From 2025, athletes who complete a race in one year can upgrade to the next longest distance the following year without paying the price difference.
What can athletes do to help achieve these goals?
Encouraging women interested in running to train regularly and participate in races is invaluable. We can also motivate women who already race to take on longer distances.
Our goal is to have more women running long distances. Long-distance running requires making running a lifestyle. With consistent weekly training, one can develop a sustainable and healthy sporting life for years.
We are open to recommendations and suggestions on this journey. You can guide us via yaris@maceraakademisi.com.
SheRACES is an organization dedicated to creating a more equal and inclusive experience for women in the running world. Founded in 2022 by British ultramarathon world record holder Sophie Power, SheRACES addresses the barriers women face, particularly in long-distance and ultra races.The organization guides race organizers, develops policies that promote gender equality, and works to increase female participation in races.
What Does SheRACES Do?
Provides SheRACES Guidelines to encourage more women to participate in races.
Makes races more female-friendly with policies such as pregnancy deferral, access to hygiene products, and equal prize distribution.
Increases the visibility of female athletes in media and race events.
Raises awareness about women's safety, training processes, and psychological support in running.
SheRACES not only encourages women to take part in races but also ensures they are represented fairly and appropriately. www.sheraces.com