Dear runners, nature lovers and adventurers,
March 8 is a moment each year to pause and reflect on the role of women in society, sport and community. At Kočevsko Outdoor, we are proud to share something that truly inspires us: for many years now, women have made up 50% of all registered participants at the Kočevsko Outdoor Festival.
This is a sign that the trail community is becoming increasingly diverse, courageous and connected. Women are a vital part of the energy that defines our festival. At the start line, on the trails, at the aid stations and at the finish line, you help create the atmosphere that makes this festival more than just a sporting event.
A festival where every woman feels welcome
When we create the festival, we don’t think only about kilometers and elevation gain. We also think about how participants will feel.
Our goal is simple: that everyone and especially every woman can feel confident, supported and welcome at the festival.
What does this mean in practice?
At Kočevsko Outdoor, we have been introducing, implementing and developing measures to support women for many years. These initiatives help ensure that every participant can enjoy a more comfortable and relaxed experience:
- Free sanitary pads and tampons are available at all aid stations, so every runner or hiker can continue their journey without worry.
- We know that during preparations for the festival something beautiful, and sometimes unexpected, can happen – pregnancy. That is why the festival has a pregnancy policy that allows appropriate adjustments based on wellbeing and safety.
- We strive to build a community where you can feel strong, welcomed and included, regardless of your result, pace or distance.
Trail running in the forests of Kočevsko is an experience where every individual counts.
A community you help create
The truth is simple: without you, dear women, the festival would not be what it is today. Your energy at the start line, your perseverance on the trails and your smile at the finish line create the stories that bring us back to the forests of Kočevsko year after year.
So today we want to say just one thing to each of you: Thank you for helping shape our trail community. May every kilometer you run be filled with pride, strength and freedom.
