Paraty Brazil by UTMB strengthens support for women with a dedicated space
With hair braiding, massages and a tribute to the race champions, Espaço Mulher marked the 2026 edition and strengthened ongoing efforts to encourage women’s participation in trail running.
For women, the experience of a mountain running race begins before the start and extends beyond the finish line. At the 2026 edition, Paraty Brazil by UTMB broadened this approach with the debut of Espaço Mulher, a space at the Expo dedicated to care, connection and recognition of the women who are part of the event's story.
Held from 17 to 20 September, the space offered hair braiding, sports and relaxation massages, and a studio photography experience with Fotop. The aim was to give participants a welcoming place during race week, with opportunities to rest, share experiences and celebrate their achievements.
The stand was produced by Tamiris Monteiro, an ultrarunner and co-founder of the Trail Girls collective, whose work encourages women to take up trail running and remain in the sport.
A space to care for and celebrate women who made history
Alongside its services, Espaço Mulher highlighted the athletes who helped shape the history of Paraty Brazil by UTMB. The stand presented the stories of the champions from every edition of the race, recognising their achievements and bringing these role models closer to the participants visiting the Expo.
This tribute connected different experiences in the sport: from women who had already stood on the top step of the podium to those in Paraty to tackle their first mountain race.
By bringing together memory, representation and care, the space reinforced the importance of recognising women as leading figures in trail running — whether in competition, community building or initiatives that make the trails more accessible.
Initiatives for women are part of the race's history
The creation of Espaço Mulher continues work that Paraty Brazil by UTMB has developed over the years. Partnerships with women's collectives, such as Trail Girls, help bring the organisers closer to the experiences and needs of those who run in the mountains.
This work includes initiatives such as special discounts to encourage women's participation, spaces for discussion and sharing experiences, and improvements in support during the race. Measures include providing hygiene items along the course and dedicated changing areas, offering athletes greater privacy and comfort.
These measures address practical needs and help create a more welcoming experience, especially for those spending many hours on the trails. The presence of collectives also strengthens support networks among women, makes information more accessible and connects beginners with more experienced runners.
A survey heard from 144 women during the Expo
Espaço Mulher also served as a place to listen. To access the space, participants completed a survey about their experiences, behaviours and needs in trail running. A total of 144 forms were collected, providing input for planning future initiatives.
Among respondents with valid answers to each question, approximately 62% said they had previously skipped training or a race because they did not feel safe.
Infrastructure also emerged as an important issue: around 45% felt that trail running races provide facilities that are only partly suitable or unsuitable for women. Women's spaces, well-maintained toilets and appropriate changing areas were among the most requested improvements.
These findings relate to the women who answered the survey at Espaço Mulher and do not necessarily represent all event participants or Brazilian women runners as a whole. Even so, they help identify specific needs for support, safety and privacy.
Women want to progress in trail running
The survey also revealed an appetite for new challenges: approximately 86% of respondents with a valid answer said they wanted to run longer distances. This desire to progress exists alongside obstacles such as a lack of time to train, the need for physical preparation, experience, company and financial support.
The findings show the importance of combining encouragement to participate with conditions that allow athletes to remain in the sport and pursue their goals. In this context, Espaço Mulher connects the services offered during the event with listening that can guide improvements in future editions.
A welcoming approach to strengthen women's presence on the trails
With the debut of Espaço Mulher, Paraty Brazil by UTMB added another initiative to its history of encouraging women's participation. The space brought together care, recognition of the champions and information about the challenges women runners face.
Continuing this work means listening to athletes, strengthening partnerships with collectives and turning identified needs into action at the Expo, in the arena and along the course. This is how a welcoming approach can help more women find the conditions they need to start, progress and stay on the trails.
