STRIDE Grants provide support for Trail Runner Inclusion, Development, and Empowerment. The program provides needs-based financial support to trail and ultrarunners who demonstrate commitment, perseverance, and community spirit but face financial or logistical challenges that could limit their participation.

If you’re struggling financially or logistically with ultrarunning, the STRIDE Grant is for you! We’re here to support you—whether you’re back of the pack or at the top of your field. We prefer that applicants have at least three trail/ultra races under their belt, which shows a commitment to trail/ultra running; however, we encourage all runners with a goal of reaching ultrarunner status to apply.

Applicants will be evaluated holistically based on financial need, dedication to the sport, and potential to inspire inclusion and empowerment within the trail running community.

1. Demonstrated Financial Need

   
   Applicants should describe specific financial constraints or unexpected circumstances limiting their ability to participate.
   
   STRIDE prioritizes those for whom grant support would make a tangible difference in enabling participation or completion of a major event.

   
   

2. Commitment to Trail Running
   
   Applicants should show a consistent dedication to trail or ultrarunning through prior participation, training commitment, or community involvement.
   
   Both emerging and elite athletes are encouraged to apply.

3. Community Spirit and Impact
   
   Preference will be given to applicants who embody the values of inclusion, respect, and generosity—those who contribute positively to the trail community or seek to inspire others through their journey.

4. Specificity of Need
   
   The application should clearly define how the grant will be used (e.g., airfare, race entry, lodging, equipment, nutrition, childcare) and provide an estimated budget or cost breakdown.

5. Timeliness and Urgency
   
   STRIDE will consider the timing and immediacy of the need—particularly for applicants receiving late race acceptances or facing last-minute expenses.

STRIDE recognizes that financial and personal circumstances can be deeply private. STRIDE fully supports anonymous grant awards when requested. By offering the option of anonymity, STRIDE ensures that dignity, respect, and trust remain central to the program, allowing athletes to seek support without fear of stigma or exposure. Whether shared publicly or privately, every STRIDE grant represents an act of inclusion and empowerment.

STRIDE grants may support a wide range of needs that enable runners to train, travel, and compete. Examples include:

• Family & Caregiving Responsibilities

  • A single parent or mother training for a 100-mile race who needs help covering childcare during long runs, race weekends, or travel days.

  • A caregiver for an elderly or disabled family member who requires short-term paid care coverage to attend a race or training camp.

  • A new parent balancing postpartum recovery and return-to-sport costs (childcare, gear refitting, lactation/travel logistics).

• Public Service & Modest Income Professions

  • A public school teacher who can’t afford the travel and lodging to compete in a national-level ultra.

  • A park ranger or firefighter representing their agency in a trail event but lacking funds for entry and transportation

  • A nonprofit or social worker who uses trail running for community building but faces limited disposable income.

• Geographic & Logistical Barriers

  • A runner from a remote or rural area where access to mountain trails or races requires significant travel or overnight lodging.

  • An international athlete or a domestic athlete who must fly from Hawaii, Alaska, or U.S. territories to reach most mainland races.

  • A runner from a country or region without robust sponsorship infrastructure needing help with visas, travel, or gear import costs.

• Training & Equipment Access

  • A low-income athlete without access to reliable trail shoes, packs, or hydration gear necessary for safe training.

  • A visually impaired or adaptive athlete needing specialized equipment, guide support, or travel funding for both athlete and guide.

  • A runner in a climate-restricted region (e.g., desert, flatlands) seeking assistance for travel to altitude camps or technical terrain training.

• Time-Sensitive or Unexpected Opportunities

  • A runner who comes off a race waitlist (e.g., Hardrock, Western States) and suddenly needs airfare and lodging within a matter or weeks or even days.

  • An athlete who qualifies for a championship or team event but can’t afford the unplanned expenses.

  • A runner whose sponsor withdraws support unexpectedly, creating a shortfall before a major competition.

• Life Transition or Recovery Circumstances

  • A runner returning to the sport after serious illness, injury, or loss of employment who needs help rebuilding training momentum.

  • A student or recent graduate balancing debt and early career costs but showing strong potential in ultrarunning.

  • A veteran using trail running for reintegration or therapy who needs support to attend an endurance event.

• Community & Representation

  • A runner who leads free trail clinics or youth programs but lacks funds to pursue their own competitive goals.

  • A local race director or volunteer who dedicates time to community events yet struggles to fund personal race travel.

  • A runner advocating for environmental stewardship or mental health awareness through participation but facing financial barriers to continue.

• Childcare assistance for parents training for or participating in major events (e.g., a mother accepted into Western States 100).

• Travel and lodging costs for athletes attending distant races or training camps.

• Last-minute expenses for runners accepted from race waitlists who need immediate financial help to participate.

• Entry fees, transportation, and accommodation for public servants, students, or low-income athletes representing their communities.

• Essential gear or equipment (including nutrition needs) that supports safe and effective training for underserved athletes.

Typical grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on need, availability of funds, and the scope of the applicant’s request. A budget of estimated needs must be provided at application, and proof of expenses must be provided after the event.

Applications for STRIDE Grants are reviewed by the STRIDE Grant Committee, which is comprised of up to five diverse trail running community members: the Executive Director of STRIDE; the Program Manager of STRIDE; and up to three external representatives, who are volunteers for STRIDE.

The Committee takes a holistic, quantitative, and objective approach to awarding Grants through five criteria: Financial Need, Commitment to Trail Running, Community Spirit and Representation, Specificity and Feasibility of Request, Timeliness and Urgency, and Potential for Broader Impact.

Quantifying impact is exceedingly difficult; however, STRIDE aims to measure the impact of its Grants through a blend of quantitative metrics (tangible outputs) and qualitative outcomes (stories, visibility, and community influence).

• Increased Access and Participation
  Goal: Reduce financial and logistical barriers to entry.
  Metrics: 

  • Number of grants awarded per year.

  • Total dollars distributed to athletes.

  • Percentage of recipients who would have been unable to participate without support (via post-grant survey).

  • Increase in participation of runners from underrepresented financial or geographic backgrounds.

  • In limited instances, number of new entrants completing their first ultra or trail event due to the grant.

• Retention and Advancement in the Sport
  Goal: Support long-term engagement in trail and ultrarunning.

  Metrics:

  • Percentage of grantees who remain active in the sport one year later.

  • Number who advance to additional races, podium finishes, or community leadership roles.

  • Self-reported improvement in confidence, belonging, or perceived access.

• Community and Volunteer Engagement

  Goal: Strengthen the trail running community through reciprocal contribution.

  Metrics:

  • Number of grantees who volunteer, mentor, or coach within 12 months of award.

  • Hours of community service or trail work contributed by grantees.

  • Growth in STRIDE’s volunteer base or ambassador program.

  • Stories or profiles published highlighting grantee impact.

• Visibility and Representation
  Goal: Increase awareness of inclusivity and accessibility within ultrarunning.

  Metrics:

  • Mentions, features, or tags of STRIDE in race media, podcasts, or social posts.

  • Number of races or brands partnering with STRIDE on inclusion initiatives.

  • Growth in STRIDE’s follower base and digital reach.

  • Media coverage or testimonials demonstrating expanded visibility for diverse athletes.

• Financial Leverage and Sustainability

  Goal: Multiply donor and sponsor impact.

  Metrics:

  • Matching funds or sponsorship dollars generated per STRIDE grant dollar.

  • Year-over-year increase in fundraising or donor retention.

  • Administrative cost ratio (grant dollars delivered vs. total expenses).

  • Geographic or demographic spread of recipients over time.

• Athlete and Community Outcomes (Qualitative)

  Goal: Capture human stories of empowerment, inclusion, and perseverance.

  Indicators:

  • Narrative testimonials from grantees on how the award enabled participation.

  • Case studies of recipients who later become mentors, volunteers, or race directors.

  • Feedback from race organizers noting increased diversity and camaraderie.

Example Annual Impact Summary

In 2026, STRIDE awarded 6 grants totaling $28,400, enabling 1 first-time ultramarathon finishes, 2 parents to secure childcare during training, and 3 public servants to represent their communities at national trail events.

87% of grantees reported they would not have participated without support.

62% went on to volunteer or mentor others in their local trail community.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the STRIDE Grant Committee.

Last-minute funding may be requested and approved throughout the year, particularly for waitlisted athletes.

Yes — previous recipients are welcome to apply for another STRIDE grant. We recognize that financial and logistical barriers can arise at different points in an athlete’s journey, and ongoing support may be needed to sustain training, travel, or race participation. While preference may occasionally be given to first-time applicants when funds are limited, STRIDE values continued engagement with past grantees and encourages returning applicants to share updates on their progress and community impact since their last award.