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International Women's Day - Celebrating Women Who Race

At Castle Race Series, we believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and empower. This International Women's Day, we are celebrating the incredible women who take on the challenge of triathlon and multisport events, pushing their limits, breaking barriers, and leading the way for future generations of female athletes.

Championing Female Participation in Sport

Year after year, we have seen a remarkable increase in female participation at our events, and we are committed to making our races as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or taking on your first multisport challenge, Castle Race Series is here to support you every step of the way.

Supporting Women in Racing

We are proud to have a range of initiatives in place to ensure women feel supported, respected, and encouraged to participate in our events:

  • Inclusive Policies: Our website features a dedicated Female Racing Support Section and an Inclusivity Statement, reinforcing our commitment to equality and accessibility in sport.
  • Pregnancy Clause: We understand that life doesn’t always go according to race schedules. That’s why we offer a pregnancy clause, allowing women to defer their race entry when needed.

  • Dedicated Facilities: We provide separate changing rooms for female participants to ensure comfort and privacy.
  • Affordability: We offer various ways to race for less, making our events more accessible to women from all backgrounds.
  • Respect & Community: We actively promote respect among all participants and crew, fostering a positive and encouraging race environment.

  • Equal Recognition: Our prize-giving is completely equal, ensuring female athletes receive the same recognition as their male counterparts.
  • Female-Only Waves: For those who prefer to race in a female-only environment, we provide designated waves to enhance comfort and camaraderie.
  • Flexible Race Format: Many of our events do not have strict cut-off times, allowing women of all levels to compete without pressure.
  • Equal Employment: We employ as many women as men across our events, with a diverse team spanning a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

Stories of Women Who Inspire

Our events have welcomed countless women who have overcome personal challenges to achieve incredible milestones. From first-time triathletes to seasoned pros, the stories of our participants showcase the power of perseverance, determination, and the supportive race environment we foster.

Take, for example, Sarah, who participated in her first triathlon after recovering from an injury. With the encouragement of her fellow competitors and the Castle Race Series community, she crossed the finish line with a new sense of confidence and achievement. Or Emily, a mother of two, who embraced our pregnancy clause and returned to racing stronger than ever. Their journeys inspire us all and reinforce our belief that sport is for everyone.

 

Lauren Steadman

Racing with us for the first time at Belvoir Castle in 2024 was Lauren Steadman. Born with a congenital disability, missing her lower right forearm, she has triumphed in the face of adversity, overcoming every obstacle in her path. A Paralympic Champion and Multiple World and European Champion, Lauren’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Competing in her third Paralympic Games in Paris 2024, she brought home a bronze medal in paratriathlon, following her dominant victory in Tokyo 2020.

Her inspiring story extends beyond sports. Lauren advocates for disability awareness, empowering others to embrace their differences. She also captivated audiences on Strictly Come Dancing, conquered the depths on SAS: Who Dares Wins, and continues to motivate others with her unwavering spirit. In addition to her athletic achievements, Lauren holds a First Class Degree in Psychology and an MSc in Business, proving that success knows no boundaries. Named a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2022, her story is a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can help overcome any challenge.

Team Phoenix at Hever

Team Phoenix race with us every year at Hever Castle. They are an inspiring force, dedicated to helping women who have faced a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment rebuild both their physical and mental wellbeing. Through their unique 5-6 month program, which combines social support, fitness, and wellbeing, women regain strength, confidence, and camaraderie. The program’s ultimate goal is to empower participants to complete a triathlon, earning the exclusive Team Phoenix T-shirt and the revered title of “Firebird.” This journey not only fosters resilience and determination but also creates a lasting support network, showing that with the right support, women can overcome anything and emerge stronger than ever.

The Future of Women in Racing

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for women in multisport racing. We will continue to listen to our female participants, evolve our policies, and introduce new initiatives that make our events even more inclusive and accessible.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate every woman who races with us. Whether you’re racing to win, racing for fun, or racing to prove something to yourself – you are an inspiration. Here’s to many more years of women crossing the finish line, together!

Join us in celebrating women in sport – sign up for a Castle Race Series event today!

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