Run Like Her: How Kaçkar by UTMB is Empowering Women Through Trail Running
Women’s participation in trail running continues to grow around the world, yet many women still face barriers when taking their first steps into the sport. Through its new Run Like Her initiative, Kaçkar by UTMB aims to help change that by creating opportunities for women to connect, gain confidence and experience the transformative power of trail running.
Set in the spectacular Kaçkar Mountains of northeastern Türkiye, this project brings together female athletes, professionals and inspiring women from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for the trails. At the heart of the initiative is a women-only trail running camp, designed to foster community, encourage participation and create unforgettable experiences in one of the most beautiful destinations on the UTMB World Series calendar.
To learn more about the vision behind Run Like Her, TrailRunAdvisor spoke with Carole, Marketing Executive of Kaçkar by UTMB and an experienced ultra runner herself, about the inspiration for the project, the importance of supporting women in trail running, and what participants can expect from both the camp and the race experience.
Q1. As both an ultra runner and Marketing Executive of Kaçkar by UTMB, what inspired you to create the Run Like Her initiative?
As a runner, I have experienced how trail running can bring confidence, resilience, and personal growth. But despite the sport’s incredible values of inclusion and community, women remain underrepresented in many trail-running events around the world.
As a marketing executive of Kaçkar by UTMB, I felt we had an opportunity to do something different, we could create a movement that actively inspires, encourages women to discover the trail running. Run Like Her was born from that vision: to inspire more women from diverse cultures and backgrounds to find their place on the trails, support each other, and share the same passion for trail running.
Q2. Looking at your own experience in trail running, what barriers do you think still prevent more women from entering the sport today?
Many barriers still exist, self confidence is often one of the biggest challenges. Many women feel they need to be fitter, faster, or more experienced before joining trail-running community.
We should not forget that there are also practical barriers such as balancing family responsibilities or finding training partners… Safety concerns can also discourage women from training outdoors. I believe that by creating supportive environments, sharing inspiring stories, and increasing visibility for women in trail running, we can help remove many of these obstacles.
Q3. The Run Like Her camp is much more than a few days of trail running. What inspired you to create this women-only experience in the Kaçkar Mountains, and what makes it unique for the women who take part?
We wanted to bring women together, connect with nature and build meaningful relationships with other local women and Turkish culture. We created this camp to give women the opportunity to experience parts of the actual Kaçkar by UTMB course. As safety is often one of the main concerns for female runners, having the chance to “test drive” the course provides reassurance, confidence, and a better understanding of what awaits them on race day. This year marks the first camp we are hosting, pioneering our way, so to speak, and we are excited about the possibility of turning it into an annual event from next year onwards
Q4. Fatima Painda and several other inspiring women are part of the project. What role do these ambassadors play in helping Run Like Her achieve its mission?
The ambassadors are at the heart of the project. They represent different backgrounds, cultures, and personal journeys, showing that there is no single profile of a trail runner. Fatima Painda from Afghanistan is an inspiring example of courage, determination, running all over the world to defend women’s right to run freely. These women help us reach new audiences, share experiences, and inspire others who may never have considered trail running before. Their stories make the project relatable and demonstrate that everyone can find their place in the trail-running community.
Q5. You've run many races in many parts of the world. What makes the Kaçkar Mountains such a special setting for both the Run Like Her camp and the race experience?
The Kaçkar Mountains are truly one of the most remarkable trail-running destinations I have ever experienced. The landscapes are spectacular, with dramatic peaks, alpine meadows, remote villages, and a strong connection to local culture and traditions. What makes the region special is that it still feels authentic and largely undiscovered by the international trail-running community. Participants are not only running through beautiful terrain; they are experiencing hospitality and a unique cultural environment. It is the perfect place for adventure, personal growth, and unforgettable memories.
Q6. If a woman reading this interview is curious about trail running but still hesitates to sign up for her first race, what would you tell her?
I would tell her that she does not need to be an experienced runner to begin. Every trail runner started with a first step, a first trail, and a first race. The trail-running community is one of the most welcoming and supportive communities I know.
Train, trust your curiosity, embrace the adventure, and allow yourself to discover what you are capable of. You may be surprised by how strong, resilient, and adventurous you really are. And most importantly, remember that the goal is not to prove anything to others; it is to enjoy the journey and believe in yourself.