Born to Adapt: Driving Inclusion in Trail Running
From policy to practice. From access to action.
Born to Adapt works at the intersection of Para Athletes, race organizers, tour operators and other global partners to implement inclusion practices that work in real life —not just on paper.
This page highlights trail running events and resources where Born to Adapt–aligned inclusion is already happening.
Want to stay in touch and learn more? Subscribe to Born to Adapt’s newsletter here.
For para-athletes
Trail races & events where inclusion is already implemented:
Mammoth Trail Fest (California)
Mammoth Trail Fest has implemented Para Athlete inclusion practices in collaboration with Born to Adapt, setting a benchmark for how large-scale trail events can create meaningful access.
Adaptive / Para Athlete information
Broken Arrow Skyrace (California)
Broken Arrow Skyrace is one of the most progressive trail events in North America, offering a formal Para / Adaptive Athlete process informed by real athlete needs and inclusion best practices.
Desert Rats by UTMB® (Colorado)
Para Trail Running Summit × Born to Adapt
Desert Rats by UTMB (a trail running festival weekend in the desert) will be hosting a Para Trail Running Summit in 2026 in collaboration with Born to Adapt, focusing on education, policy alignment, and the future of Para trail racing within the UTMB ecosystem.
UTMB para / adaptive athlete guidance
Para Athletes competing in UTMB events must receive official Adaptive Athlete status prior to race entry.
Apply for Adaptive Athlete status
UTMB adaptive athlete policy
The official UTMB policy outlining eligibility criteria, classifications, and participation standards.
Need more support?
Reach out to the team at Born to Adapt: zach@borntoadapt.org
For race directors
Born to Adapt trail race guidelines
A practical, athlete-informed framework designed to help race directors implement Para Athlete inclusion responsibly, safely, and consistently.
Has your race implemented policies and practices to drive inclusion?
Let us know, we’d love to hear more: zach@borntoadapt.org
Would you like to support implementing policies and practices to drive inclusion?
Reach out: zach@borntoadapt.org
For everyone
Get informed
Understanding disability is so important because it is everywhere! 15% of the world’s population has a disability. Whether it is your workplace, your school, or even the businesses you support – take the time to look around and see what changes could be made to make the space more accessible and inclusive.
As Born to Adapt co-founder Dani Aravich says: Disability is NOT a bad word- I encourage you to challenge the biases you hold surrounding disability. Here are some of my favorite resources to:
- Check if your employer is being accessible
- Understand why disability representation is needed in the media
- Avoid using ableist language
Make a donation
By donating to Born to Adapt, you’ll be supporting Born to Adapt athletes with travel, accommodations, outdoor gear, prizes and food, as well as helping cover event costs (permits, insurance, event space, official timing).
Stay in touch
Subscribe to Born to Adapt’s newsletter to receive updates on partner races, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help drive impact.
Somebody Has to Go First
American trail runner Zach Friedley breaks trail for adaptive athletes to complete in trail races in the Alps.
Run the Alps Film Festival 2026
Our film festival is a celebration of trail running in the Alps, showcasing inspiring stories and breathtaking landscapes.
Guest Runners
Run the Alps is fortunate to be tapped into a world of adventurous trail runners with a wide range of experiences, knowledge and insights who share our inclusive, supportive philosophy. Let’s run together.