WhyWeRun: A SheRACES Case Study
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
WhyWeRun is changing the landscape of multi-stage ultramarathon events, designing a safe and supportive space that is more accessible for everyone. Focusing on community and purpose over competition, the aim is personal achievement and exploring individual limits, while also raising vital funds for charity.
WhyWeRun is SheRACES accredited, which means their event aligns with our Race Guidelines and offers an inclusive environment for women. We know the number of women on start lines at longer-distance ultra events, especially multi-stage events, is much lower than other distances, so for a 250km, five-day event to consistently have women making up over half the field (ranging from 66-57% between 2023 and 2025), WhyWeRun must be doing something right.
WhyWeRun is clear that it’s not a race and there is no podium. Participants run for themselves, changing their own lives by tackling something truly challenging. The event is fundraising for bigmoose, a mental health charity that provides fast and effective therapy for people who are struggling. To date, WhyWeRun has raised over £200,000 for the charity.
What makes WhyWeRun different?
250km over 5 days using sections of the Welsh Coastal Path (60% trail / 40% road) – a true trail challenge
The course is based over two loops, with 2-4 laps of one of the loops per day to make up the total distance, enabling all participants to run with and pass each other on the trails each day, building a true camaraderie and team spirit
There are no cut-offs to enable everyone to complete their laps to the best of their ability
Dormitory-style accommodation with a proper bed, toilets and showers to support recovery in one home base. Option to choose from female-only, male-only and mixed accommodation
Educational workshops pre-event to help participants prepare for the challenge
No pressure to finish each day – everyone can adapt to own limits
Everyone gets a medal, regardless of final distance covered
On-site medical support and therapists to aid recovery
Total cost includes accommodation and has clear payment plans – making it more affordable than other multi-day ultra events. There is a fundraising target, but this is modest (£500)
You can’t just sign up either – you apply. The team reviews everyone’s application and reasons to want to take part, before offering a place. This means everyone gets to run as part of a committed, passionate and aligned group to support each other to get to the finish line.
“We focus on creating a safe, supportive space where people can genuinely explore their limits,” says Lewis Robling, CEO and Founder of WhyWeRun. “By removing the competitive element and establishing a shared goal, participants rise together, which often means they get even more out of themselves and the experience as a whole too.
At the same time though, we emphasise the importance of understanding their limits, and that risk/reward equation. There is no shame in not finishing the total distance; sometimes taking a shorter day or resting to recover means a runner can still show up and finish the final day with the rest of the group.”
The team has also created an inspiring and motivational documentary on the 2025 event, which explores more about what makes the event so special and gives future potential applicants a vision of what to expect.
WATCH THE DOCUMENTARY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_wlrBnP1Kg
Kelley Mullarkey was one of the participants at the 2025 event. She says: "WhyWeRun stripped me down to my core and built me back up stronger. The course was brutal, the landscapes breathtaking, and the experience life-altering. I found a version of myself I never knew existed, and my perspective on 'the impossible' has been permanently shifted. Beyond the physical feat, it was the community that hit me hardest, from the phenomenal volunteers who felt like family to the runners who pulled me through the dark miles. This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and easily the best decision I’ve ever made."
At SheRACES, we believe in the transformative power of a finish line. It’s about so much more than getting to the end – it’s about testing what you can do, empowering you in other areas of your life and driving self-belief.
SheRACES founder Sophie Power says: “We’re excited to see this event break from the mould with creative thinking about what athletes want that might not be offered by traditional events who typically focus on competition and time. This helps grow participation of all levels and all reasons to run.”
These kinds of truly inclusive events help build confidence, enabling women to try a multi-stage ultra in an environment that’s built to support them. They then might have the confidence to go on to enter other ultra and multi-day events, increasing participation up the line.
The 2026 event takes place 14th-20th September in St Davids, Wales.
Find out more about the event and how to apply: https://itswhywerun.com/
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