Black Trail Runners: Fostering a Supportive Community

Black Trail Runners (BTR) was founded on the belief that running in the outdoors should be for everyone. And even though trail running culture views itself as inclusive, black runners are under-represented in trail running - both as an activity, but in the media and organisations too.

BTR used their platform on Strava to build a community that has helped to increase inclusivity in trail running around the UK. By leveraging allies past, present and future, they have built a thriving community on the platform that encourages inclusion and participation in trail running, ultra running and mountain running.

As well as organising regular club events on the platform, BTR encourage their growing community to share their thoughts, comments and suggestions around running in their local communities. This shared - safe - space has helped to foster a growth in black trail runners, and has led to the launch of Black to the Trails.

Black to the Trails - of which Strava is now a title sponsor - invites athletes to compete in a virtual 5K challenge, with the aim of athletes completing a collective 3.1 million miles over the course of a month. There is also the 3.1 Strava Challenge associated with the event that anyone can take part in. These collaborations with Strava have helped to build awareness and participation within the BTR community.