Celebrating women

Celebrating Women at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB

UTMB Group is committed to making trail running a space where women feel truly welcome and represented – on the start line, in leadership roles, on podiums, and in the stories we tell. At the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB, this commitment is brought to life through a series of concrete actions before, during and after the event, designed to support female participation and enhance the experience for every woman taking part.

Focus on the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB initiatives

Feeling expected, feeling welcome, harnessing the strength of community and celebrating together!

This year a series of dedicated initiatives have been introduced to better support women who wish to take advantage of them – ensuring every runner enjoys a seamless, positive and fully supported experience within a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Dedicated newsletter

Sent to all women registered for our races, providing all the key information needed to prepare with confidence and ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience.

WhatsApp community

A dedicated WhatsApp space is available for sharing advice, asking questions, creating connections, arranging meet-ups during race week and much more.

Organisation representative

A female point of contact is assigned to each WhatsApp group to answer questions and facilitate exchanges. She will also be on-site during the event, easily identifiable, available to you, and in direct contact with the race organisation.

Trained volunteers

Key locations along the course – start lines, aid stations, finish areas – are staffed by volunteers who have received specific guidance on supporting female runners.

Dedicated spaces and hygiene products

Feminine hygiene kits

Available for women at all aid stations.

Women-only WCs

Provided in start areas, finish zones and aid stations.

Private changing areas

Available at every aid station.

Equity and visibility

Portraits of inspiring women

From amateurs to professionals, from members of the organisation to event partners and volunteers – women’s voices and stories are shared and celebrated across our social channels.

Parental Policy

Introduced in 2023, this policy applies across all UTMB World Series races.

The Comeback of a Great Champion What motivated you to commit to the 100K at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB? How did you build your preparation for such a demanding format, and what are your goals for this race?

I have already taken part twice in the Trail du Ventoux, and I love the “Giant of Provence” and its very distinctive environment, with its typical Southern French trails, the exceptional views from the summit, and the contrasting climate between the north face and the south face. The Grand Raid Ventoux will be an opportunity for me to discover the area more deeply, through a long-distance race, and the UTMB label is an added bonus. I am very motivated, and the fact that the race takes place in mid-April allows me to prepare for it as my first major objective of the season.

As far as training is concerned, for now I am trying to improve my speed before gradually increasing the length of my runs when the climate in Haute-Savoie allows it. I will also take part in a few cross-country races as well as two intermediate races to get my muscles used to withstanding the demands of high-intensity competition. I don’t have a specific placing goal, as I don’t know exactly who my competitors will be or how I will compare to them, but I do have the ambition to run a steady, well-managed race and to be in good shape on race day. If I manage to achieve that, I will be happy, regardless of the final result.

What message would you like to send to women who are still hesitating to take the start of a race like the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB?

Currently, “by UTMB” races offer a very wide range of formats, roughly from 20 kilometers to 100 miles, which should allow everyone to find a distance that suits them. They also offer a high standard of quality, with detailed information, well-organized aid stations, and, if things were to go wrong, an appropriate safety system. There is therefore no reason to hesitate. When I took part in the Trail de Verbier Saint Bernard, I was added to a “Women by UTMB” WhatsApp group, and we developed rich exchanges before and after the race. I could see that women of very diverse backgrounds, ages, and ability levels take part in these races, and that there is no reason not to feel up to it. The spirit is also one of solidarity and mutual support, and these races are a great opportunity to meet people.

After a victory last year in the 100K, why is the 50K at the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB an important goal for you this season?

I loved the 100K format last year: the course, the organization, and the setting. So I wanted to come back this year to discover another format, and since I will be starting the season with distances close to 50 km, the 50K at the Grand Raid Ventoux fits perfectly into my program.

What message would you like to send to women who are still hesitating to take the start of a race like the Grand Raid Ventoux by UTMB?

Believe in yourself, and go for it if it’s something you feel drawn to! The joy of running and motivation are the keys to getting started and to succeeding.