Women’s Trail Camp with Meg Mackenzie

Run the Alps is pleased to offer a special trail running camp just for women, hosted by Run the Alps friend and ambassador, Meg Mackenzie.

Each day of Meg’s camp will feature a new trail run, as we explore the hundreds of kilometers of trails in Chamonix, France and Courmayeur, Italy.  After a morning run and a break for lunch at a high mountain refuge or in town, we’ll gather later in the day to discuss the current challenges that women may face in mountain activities and how society’s expectations may be holding us back. We’ll then consider how to navigate these challenges with both confidence and courage.

For those of you who don’t know Meg, she is one of our most energetic, upbeat and fun friends here in Chamonix. Meg has raced competitively around the world, and has had top finishes in races from Chamonix’s Mont Blanc Marathon to South Africa’s Ultra Trail Cape Town. And while Meg excels at trail running, it’s just one part of her life. She’s also a trail running coach, certified master life coach, and working on a documentary featuring the role of destigmatizing menstrual cycles in sport and life. In 2021, Meg moved fulltime to Chamonix, where she continues to represent her home country of South Africa. You can read more about Meg here.

Meg’s style is inclusive, warm and supportive. Says Meg, “My goal is to get more women involved in trail running and help those already in it to gain more self-confidence on the trails. Too many women think they are somehow inadequate or not strong enough for mountain activities.”

Meg will be joined by notable women athletes from the Chamonix valley and elsewhere in the Alps. Coming from different sports like free skiing and climbing, the unifying theme will be courage, overcoming obstacles and building self-confidence– all, no matter the level at which you run. While the confirmed list will not be announced until early summer 2024, possible guests include Stephanie Case, pro skier Hadley Hammer, internationally-acclaimed trail runner Fernanda Maciel and snowboarder Marion Hearty.

Joining us as a partner on this trip is the unique all-women’s company, Paradis Sport, makers of underwear for women athletes. “We believe that female athletes and active women should be outfitted to perform their best,” says Paradis Founder, Sarah Weihman. Each guest on the trip will receive gear compliments of Paradis Sport.

This camp is open to those building their trail running experience, as well as more seasoned runners. Participants need only arrive with enthusiasm for trail running and basic trail running fitness and skills. If you have questions, you can email Meg via Run the Alps.

So, what’s it going to be like? Here are two reviews from last year’s camp:

The group was fantastic. Meg and the running guides did so well in ensuring we all had our pace and felt challenged but not overwhelmed. The routes were really well thought out and showcased such a variety. The restaurants were fantastic and the added guests triggered great conversation and discussion about women in sport. Amazing experience all round!

As a relatively new trail runner, there were plenty of opportunities for me to learn. It was absolute magic being able to do it in the beauty of the mountains and surrounded by the communal kindness, strength, and joy of all the inspiring women I got to share the time with. I really admire and resonate with Meg’s message of empowering women in mountain sports and beyond. She is also the loveliest person. I came away feeling more confident in what I can do, and I hope more can get to experience this as well!