Women leading the charge in grassroots endurance athletics growth
In the world of sports, a new trend is emerging, one that suggests a positive shift towards more women participating in extreme endurance events. This trend, referred to as 'amletes', combines the words 'amateur' and 'athlete', a term coined by Elle in a recent op-ed.
This shift is evident in various sports arenas. For instance, the London Marathon observed a significant increase in female participation, particularly among older women. Female runners aged 50 and older finishing the race grew by an impressive 65 per cent since 2018.
However, it's interesting to note that there are 24 per cent fewer women taking part in ultramarathons compared to participation in shorter 5K events. This statistic underscores the challenge women face in tackling the more gruelling endurance events.
Despite these challenges, women are pushing boundaries and making history. In March 2024, Scottish vet Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the gruelling Barkley Marathon, a race with an elevation equivalent to climbing Mount Everest.
The trend towards 'amletes' is not limited to the UK. A record number of women, estimated at roughly 35 per cent, registered for the Marathon des Sables in 2024, a seven-day 250 kilometres ultramarathon in the Sahara Desert, known as "the toughest race on Earth."
However, the journey towards gender equality in sports is not without its hurdles. A Woman In Sport survey from 2022 found that almost half of girls who once considered themselves 'sporty' drop out of athletic activities before they reach the age of 13.
Despite years of sexist conditioning, there is reason to remain confident that the gender gap in endurance sports will change soon. In fact, according to a worldwide study by footwear review company RunRepeat, 2018 was the first year that more women ran marathons than men.
As more women take up endurance sports, they are swapping their heels for trainers after their 9 to 5 ends. The rise of 'amletes' is a testament to women's strength and resilience, and a powerful symbol of the amateur athlete trend that is sweeping the nation.
Despite the progress made, it's essential to remember that 'amlete' is a relatively new term and may not be universally recognized. Nevertheless, its meaning is clear: women are stepping up to the challenge of extreme endurance sports, and their numbers continue to grow.
- The increasing number of women participating in extreme endurance events signifies a shift in lifestyle, shaping a new generation of 'amletes'.
- Amletes, a blend of 'amateur' and 'athlete', is revolutionizing the fashion-and-beauty industry, as women are swapping high heels for running shoes.
- Food-and-drink establishments are adapting to this trend, offering nutritious options for female athletes to fuel their endurance sports career-development.
- In relationships, partners are supporting and inspiring each other as they embark on their personal-growth journey through sports.
- Pets are embracing the active lifestyle of their owners, joining them on runs and hikes as they strive towards their goals in mixed-martial-arts.
- Travel companies are catering to the needs of sports enthusiasts, organizing tours to famous racing tracks and popular basketball courts around the globe.
- Education-and-self-development opportunities in sports-betting and sports-analysis are opening up for women, providing new avenues for professional growth.
- Golf and tennis clubs are promoting gender equality by offering scholarships and mentorship programs for aspiring female athletes.
- Football and basketball leagues are encouraging girls to participate by implementing initiatives aimed at increasing female representation on the field.
- As women break records in endurance sports, they are inspiring the next generation to embrace their strength, resilience, and passion for sports.
