Diversity (or lack of!)
The representation of people who aren’t white on the trails is really low. Anyone can tell that by turning up to any trail event anywhere in the country and looking at the start line and comparing that to the high street or workplace in most of the UK. However, without actual data it’s very difficult to make any sort of valid assessment. Are things getting me equitable? Less? Without data it’s impossible to give a definitive answer. The next time you enter a Big Bear event you’ll be asked to select your ethnicity from the 18 options used by the government (with the “prefer not to say” option too). I’m keen to explain the reasoning behind the inclusion of the question.
All the stats I came out with regarding female participation in an earlier blog post are based on data I collect when you enter. I, and the vast majority of events, simply don’t have the data. Confirming your gender isn’t something you’d really think twice about with entering an event and hopefully it’ll be the same with ethnicity data soon enough. A little phrase that sticks with me from my bank manager days is, “things that get measured, get done”. When I’d be quizzed on how well a part of the branch was doing and didn’t have specific numbers this would be thrown at me. I can’t say I appreciated it at the time, but it’s true! Hopefully it’s clear Big Bear is set up to encourage more people to try, and love, trail running by removing barriers wherever possible. There are clearly barriers for people from black and other non-white backgrounds to getting out on to the trails.
As is always the case, this isn’t something I’ve dreamt up! Listening to the Black Trail Runners talk about their lived experiences (via The Checkpoint podcast) and what they want to achieve has been eye opening. Much the same as listening to Sophie Power at She Races and other female runners talk about barriers to events listening to BTR and other black runners talk about barriers has been alarming really!
I’m looking to work with Black Trail Runners to help improve diversity at my events and the wider trail running community. Personally, I think my events are great for anyone new to the sport whatever their ethnicity, gender, age etc. The trails are rarely technical, everyone is incredibly friendly and I give as much information out beforehand as possible. I’m sure there are more specific actions I can take to remove some barriers and with help and guidance from Black Trail Runners I’m hopeful to increase diversity at the start line at Big Bear events. Of course by collecting the data I can see if my actions are actually effective…!
As always, if there is ever anything you think I can do to help improve Big Bear Events when it comes to this let me know. I’m always willing to listen and learn and improve these events!