FREE GUIDE
How to Foster Equitable
and Inclusive Endurance Events
an event guide & research
summary for race directors
Endurance sports, from marathons to triathlons, are attracting more participants than ever. However, diversity within the endurance sports community remains a significant challenge. Diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments are crucial for fostering a sense of belonging among all athletes.
Our comprehensive guide was designed to provide race directors, endurance athletes, race promoters, and coaches with actionable strategies to cultivate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in endurance sports.
By implementing these best practices, not only can you make your events more inclusive, but you’ll also enhance the overall experience for participants and foster a stronger community.
What’s Inside?
👉A 22 page pdf that breaks down our research and findings, and provides a link to a self-auditing tool for race directors looking to make their events as inclusive as possible.👈
You’ll learn how to apply the ten core pillars needed to foster equitable and inclusive endurance racing events:
⟶ Develop and communicate clear community guidelines that promote respect and inclusivity.
⟶ Encourage collaboration among stakeholders and continuous learning about DEI issues.
⟶ Implement clear policies and procedures that support DEI.
⟶ Invest in regular DEI training for staff and volunteers.
⟶ Develop inclusive communication strategies.
⟶ Ensure the competitive experience is fair and equitable.
⟶ Address barriers that may prevent certain groups from participating.
⟶ Foster an inclusive culture within your organization.
⟶ Design your events to be inclusive from start to finish.
⟶ Provide equitable opportunities for all participants to engage in your events.
Hey Hi Hello! 👋 We’re the ones who did this research 🤓. This research was done out of the love for sports and our community & we’re stoked to share it with you.
Meet the Researchers
Dr. Erin Ayala (she/her), Licensed Psychologist & Mental Performance Consultant in Minneapolis, specializes in supporting female and non-binary endurance athletes across the US. Published author featured in Trailrunner Magazine & NYT. Avid cyclist with National podium finishes in various races.
Dr. Kayte LaBore (she/her) is a Core Faculty member in the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Counseling Psychology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Her areas of expertise include research, teaching, and supervision. As a cyclist and lifelong athlete, Dr. LaBore is also passion about health, human rights, and social action in sports and recreation.
Jen Kates (she/her) has coached for 15+ years with a background in strength training, nutrition, public health, and biotech research. Founder of Shift Human Performance, she aids busy professionals in managing health sustainably. A mountain biker, she enjoys time on two wheels in the dirt.
Patti Flynn (she/her) is a DEIB consultant at Equality Institute, specializing in inclusive strategies for global organizations. Certified as a DEIB Specialist and ISO30415:2021 D&I Professional. Advocate for inclusion in sports, author of Running USA Trans Inclusion Model policy. Runner, cyclist, triathlete focusing on cyclocross, mountain biking, and trail running. Race director for Proud to Run 5k/10k in Chicago. RRCA certified running coach, founder of Endure Together.