How to Find Your Dream Relay Team for a Women’s Trail Race
I wasn’t sure we could pull it off.
Finding enough women to fill a Wild Woman relay team felt like a long shot.
Would anyone say yes? Would someone get injured at the last minute? Would we be scrambling to find a backup runner?
There were a lot of unknowns.
But like most adventures worth taking, it all came together—and even better than we imagined.
If you're thinking about signing up for the Wild Woman Marathon Relay but wondering how the heck do I find a team? or how should we train together? —you’re in exactly the right place.
Spoiler alert: Finding your relay team is a lot easier (and way more fun) than you might think. Let’s dive in.
Susan’s relay team for her first Wild Woman event. Proud flex for finishing the event together!
My first Wild Woman event was as part of a marathon relay team. It epitomized the nature of an all-women’s trail run event in so many ways.
One teammate ended up running her own leg and joining a nervous runner for hers, just to offer support. Another teammate, who had never run a race in her life—and definitely didn’t call herself a "runner"—showed up and finished strong (with tears of joy in her eyes).
To this day, she says that Wild Woman marathon relay was one of the biggest confidence boosters of her life.
It only happened because someone asked her.
Because we made the effort to include her.
Because simple encouragement can open the door to something bigger.
That’s the spirit of Wild Woman—and that’s the magic you can help create, too.
So, how do you start to pull together a marathon relay team for this year’s Wild Woman Trail Run event?
Finding Your Wild Woman Relay Team
Start With Your Inner Circle
You don't have to look far.
Start by asking friends, co-workers, neighbors, or family members.
They don’t have to be "trail runners." They don’t even have to call themselves runners at all. They just need to be open to a little adventure and willing to try. In fact, it might be more powerful if they aren’t a runner, but are willing to give it a try.
Many women are just waiting for someone to extend the invitation.
Tip: Sometimes, the person least likely to raise their hand will be the one who remembers the experience the most.
2. Use Social Media (Strategically)
Put up a simple post asking for teammates. Keep it casual and inviting.
Sample post you can copy:
"Looking for a few adventurous women to join a Wild Woman relay team! You don’t need to be fast—you just need to be excited to spend a day on beautiful trails. Hit me up i f you’re interested!"
Tip: Tag groups like Trail Sisters or your local running community to draw more eyes to your post. You can even throw out the idea in your next Strava Run title!
3. Connect Through Local Running Communities
There’s no better place to find running buddies than through local groups. Start by throwing the idea out to the whole group to let them know you’re recruiting team members.
Places to try:
Local running clubs (women’s groups especially, but not necessary. Lots of runners have partners who are hesitant to join group runs, but might like the idea of an all-women’s event)
Outdoor gear stores (many host group runs and community boards)
Online communities like Trail Sisters or Meetup groups
Community bulletin boards at cafes, libraries, or gyms
Remember, even if someone isn’t available for the event, they might know someone who is.
Tip: Head over the Trail Sisters and join a local chapter (it’s free). This is a FANTASTIC place to start connecting
4. Think Beyond "Runners"
Remember: The Wild Woman Relay isn’t about podiums—it’s about participation, fun, and discovery.
Invite women who:
Love hiking, but have never raced.
Are getting back into fitness after a break.
Are curious about trail running but feel intimidated by “serious” races.
Simply want a fun goal with supportive friends.
Building a relay team is about encouragement over experience.
5. Add your Name and Interest to our Relay Team Interest shared sheet
We’ve created a google spreadsheet you can add your name to and check back in on to find other team members, or a team that is looking for runners.
The race directors won’t be moderating or match-making here, so you’ll want to check back in or reach out to team members as people add their names/contact info.
Check out the Wild Woman - 2025 Relay INTEREST spreadsheet here.
Women helping women find new personal limits, explore wells of strength they didn’t know they had, and finding joy and laughter through the process.
That’s the Wild Woman Marathon Relay.
Tips for Training Together (Even With Busy Schedules)
Now that you have a team, there are a few things you can do to help each other get to the start line
Keep it Simple: You don't have to train together all the time. A few low-key group runs or trail meetups can help keep each other motivated and excited for sharing the experience together in June.
Set Up a Group Chat: Stay connected, encourage each other, and share training wins (and funny fails).
Practice Relay Legs Individually: Focus on your individual distance—Wild Woman relay legs are between 4 and 8 miles.
Cheer Each Other On: Whether in person, by text, or on social media, build each other up along the way. Confidence grows with community. Some teams get shirts made or coordinate costumes. And don’t forget to join us for camping, the community potluck on Friday, and our guest speaker session to really make the weekend a running retreat!
What Makes the Wild Woman Relay Special
📍 Distances are accessible: legs range from 4.6 to 8 miles, perfect for beginners or those easing into longer trail events.
🏔️ Scenic, breathtaking trails: running with Mt. Adams as your backdrop is pure magic.
🏃♀️ Supportive atmosphere: no ego, just women cheering for women.
🎉 Post-run celebrations: yoga, cold soak tubs, great food, and community connection.
For many women, this relay is their first trail race.
For some, it’s their first race ever.
And for nearly everyone, it’s the beginning of a bigger adventure.
Finding a relay team for a women’s trail race doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be one of the most empowering parts of your journey. Whether you’re inviting friends to join or meeting new trail sisters along the way, Wild Woman Trail Runs offers the perfect, welcoming space for every woman to experience the joy of running in nature.
From your first relay leg to your first trail marathon, every step you take builds confidence, community, and connection. Lace up, reach out, and let’s get wild together.