In the demanding world of trail running, women still have to fight for their place. Indeed, the figures show that they remain significantly underrepresented in long-distance races (only 10-121 female participants in major 100-mile ultra-trails), and are sometimes invisible in the narratives, on the podiums, or in the prize money. The same is true in the scientific field. Women are still far too often absent from physiological studies. However, the female body has its own specific characteristics; we cannot assume that the results of scientific studies conducted on men apply (at least not completely) to women. With the 0 to 100 project, we have chosen not to accept this state of affairs: of the 40 participants embarking on this adventure, 20 will be women, selected using the same criteria as the men, with the same goal: to finish the CCC 100km ultra-trail.® after 18 months of preparation.
Gender parity within the project is not just a symbol: it's a deliberate choice. Too often, women censor themselves in their sporting activities, doubt their ability to take on major challenges, or feel unrepresented in endurance disciplines. We want to demonstrate that ultra-trail running is a field of expression for both women and men, and that pushing one's limits, endurance, and resilience are not a matter of gender.
Recent scientific studies are challenging preconceived notions: while men are generally faster and more powerful over short distances, the female body is remarkably well-adapted to long distances. Research has shown that in extreme events (ultra-marathons, Ironman triathlons, trail races of over 100 km), women are more resistant to muscle fatigue, manage their pace better, and are better able to maintain their speed as the distance increases. In short, they have greater endurance. It is therefore no coincidence that, in some ultramarathons, women sometimes manage to beat all the men.
The 0 to 100 project is also a human, collective adventure, based on support, kindness, and recognition of each individual journey. By including 20 women, we aim to offer them a safe environment to (re)connect with their bodies, envision themselves taking on a bold challenge, and, above all, (re)gain confidence in their physical and mental abilities.
Through their stories, their training, their doubts and their victories, they will become inspiring figures for all those who still think that "it's not possible for them".
The 0 to 100 project isn't just a sporting challenge. We also want to send a clear message: women have every right to be in endurance sports. They are at least as capable as men of covering (very) long distances. Perhaps even more so. A little Courtney Dauwalter lies dormant within each of them.
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