Women Shaping the Future of Endurance Sports
Dora Atim, Tammi Ragebult, Joanna Swica and Julia Aruci
The endurance sports landscape continues to evolve, and women are playing an increasingly important role in shaping its future.
From community leaders to endurance athletes and founders of new running initiatives, women are redefining what participation, representation, and community look like in the sport.
We spoke with Joanna Świca (SWC Run Club), Dora (UBR Run Club), Tammi Ragebult (Comrades Marathon athlete), and Julia Aruci (Half Mara Holiday Club) to hear their perspectives on endurance sports today – and what still needs to change.
Across their stories, a few themes stand out: community, representation, accessibility, and the importance of simply starting.
Community as the Foundation of Participation
For many runners, community is the gateway into endurance sports.
Joanna Świca, founder of SWC Run Club in Stockholm, sees this first-hand through the community she has built around running.
“Running is about community as much as it is about miles.”
By creating welcoming environments, grassroots communities make the sport more accessible for people who might otherwise feel intimidated to start.
Similarly, Dora, founder of UBR Run Club in London, highlights how representation and connection help open the door to endurance sports.
“When women see others like them showing up and enjoying the journey, the sport becomes something that feels possible.”
Communities like these are increasingly important as the sport grows globally.
Representation Matters in Endurance Sports
One of the most consistent themes across these conversations was the importance of representation in the sport.
While endurance running has historically been dominated by certain narratives and images, the sport is beginning to reflect a broader range of experiences.
Julia Aruci, founder of Half Mara Holiday Club, believes visibility plays a key role in making endurance sports feel accessible.
“Endurance sports should reflect real life — not just highlight reels.”
Through initiatives like female-led running trips centered around half marathons abroad, she’s showing that endurance sports can be about community, exploration, and shared experiences.
The more diverse the stories and leaders within the sport, the more welcoming it becomes.
The Power of Starting
Another common thread across these stories was how many endurance journeys begin unexpectedly.
Tammi Ragebult discovered running during the pandemic and has since set her sights on one of the most iconic races in the world – the Comrades Marathon.
“Start. Just start. Even if it’s a walk.”
Her journey highlights an important truth about endurance sports: progress is rarely dramatic, but rather the result of consistent effort over time.
Looking Ahead
The voices of women in endurance sports are helping redefine what participation looks like.
From community-led run clubs to travel-based race experiences, new initiatives are expanding the way people engage with the sport.
The future of endurance sports will likely be shaped not only by elite performances, but by communities, representation, and the leaders building spaces where more people feel welcome to participate.
And as these stories show, sometimes the most powerful step forward is simply deciding to start.
Read more about their journeys:
Dora – Founder, UBR Run Club
Read more: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVnUKWEkS-o/?img_index=1
Tammi Ragebult – Endurance Runner & Comrades Marathon Athlete
Read more: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVnbEk6EYtg/?img_index=1
Joanna Świca – Founder, SWC Run Club
Read more: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVnh634EZAG/?img_index=1
Julia Aruci – Founder, Half Mara Holiday Club
Read more: https://www.instagram.com/p/DVnoyhbEQqv/?img_index=1
