ST. GEORGE —A race created for all levels of adventure-seeking women is coming to Brian Head for its second time, complete with a trail run, an epic party finish line and a vendor village with big-name sponsors.
The race, Women’s Epic, is all about climbing mountains, building connections and taking in scenic views. And it’s returning for its second year in Brian Head on Saturday, June 24.
“It’s created specifically for women and it’s grown to have top-notch support and amenities,” Jodi Horton, co-owner of Women’s Epic, said. “They’re getting a serious vertical gain and breathtaking views. It’s really become the ultimate experience and memory for women looking to challenge themselves.”
The race starts at the base of Brian Head Resort near the Giant Steps Lodge where participants will hike, jog or run a 5.1-mile ascent with roughly 1,775 feet in vertical elevation gain.
This course weaves uphill through a variety of landscapes including thick pines, wildflowers and open country. It’s also interspersed with flatter sections, allowing racers to pick up the pace and enjoy the views. The ascent will begin up Old Color Country and work its way to the Vista Hiking Trail. Racers will pass Brian Head Lake, then make their final ascent up Vista.
Once participants make it to the top, they’ll cross the finish line, grab a snack and take a victory lap down the Giant Steps chair lift with a view of the course just conquered. As they ride into the Women’s Epic after-party and vendor village, the music will be jamming and the crowd will be cheering them on as they run under the arch.
When participants sign up for the race, they are asked to input a fun fact about themselves. As they come through the finish line, their fun fact and name are announced over the loudspeaker. Cheers can be heard among the crowd along with laughter and sometimes tears.
“Some people’s are super fun like, ‘I love peanut butter,’” Horton said. “But we get a lot who are like, ‘I just got through my last round of chemo,’ or ‘I just had a baby,’ or ‘I’m a sexual abuse survivor.’”
Ashlee Hinds, a co-founder of Women’s Epic, said the vendor village plans to be the best one yet, with Clean Simple Eats providing a smoothie bar in the morning and a protein bar after the race. Kodiak Cakes will provide pancakes all day for both spectators and participants.
“People don’t just race and go home,” Hinds said. “They come early, they hang out with our sponsors, then hang out with each other. It’s sometimes hard to find other women who trail run, so a lot of friendships and connections are made on the mountain and in the village.”
The inception of Women’s Epic
Horton and Hinds both have backgrounds in marketing and small business ownership. Hinds said they wanted to combine their passions and give women an epic mountain experience. As they spoke to close friends, they realized there seemed to be a common fear or worry about trail running as a woman. They wanted to make the barrier to entry more inviting, giving women the opportunity to feel comfortable out on the trails.
“We ended up launching during the pandemic,” Horton said about Women’s Epic. “And I think we had success because we knew coming down to it that humans and women – to their core – crave those deep, meaningful connections. We’ve just been fortunate enough to share those connections on a mountain with many incredible women.”
The first Women’s Epic race took place on July 31, 2021, at Brighton Resort, which sold out months in advance — something Hinds said is very rare for a first-year race. They added an additional race last year, which took place in Brian Head on June 25. Hinds said the participating women didn’t just come from Utah — they had participants from 23 different states.
“I think it was the Southern Utah red rocks vibe that attracted people from all over the nation,” Hinds said.
Racers may sign up singly or create teams. All participants also will receive access to a 12-week training program that includes strength training and hill sprints – things that differ from training for a road race.
For more information on Women’s Epic and to register, visit their website. Follow them on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date with the race festivities.
Event details
- What: Women’s Epic Race.
- When: Saturday, June 24.
- Where: Brian Head Resort, 329 UT-143 in Brian Head.
- Admission: OG tickets are $100 and VIP tickets are $189.
- For more information, see the event website.
Photo Gallery
(Left to right) Ashlee Hinds and Jodi Horton, co-founders of Women's Epic pose together at a race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
Women gain elevation at the Women's Epic race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
Women celebrate reaching the top of the summit during a Women's Epic race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
(Left to right) Jodi Horton and Ashlee Hinds, co-founders of Women's Epic pose together at a race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
Women participate in the Women's Epic race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
Women participate in the Women's Epic race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
Women trail run as part of the Women's Epic race, location and date unspecified | Photo by Connor Van Brocklin courtesy of Jodi Horton, St. George News
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