The Western States Endurance Run (WSER) and a new non-profit trail running organization, Support for Trail Running Inclusion Development and Empowerment (STRIDE), have entered into a sponsorship agreement to further the development of trail and ultra runners as they navigate one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Through its partnership with Western States, STRIDE will be making available grants to provide needs-based financial support to trail and ultra runners who demonstrate commitment, perseverance and community spirit but face financial or logistical challenges that could limit their participation. STRIDE grants are available for trail or ultra runners of all abilities and experience levels in the sport.
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with STRIDE in this effort,” WSER President Topher Gaylord said. “We realize that for a number of people, our sport can present numerous challenges, not the least of which is a financial commitment that goes far beyond hours of training and preparation. STRIDE grants are designed to support a wide range of needs that enable runners to train, travel and compete by lessening the financial burden they might face.”
STRIDE, a 501c3, was founded in 2025 by veteran ultra runners Phil Sanderson and Jaclyn Foroughi in order to shape a stronger, more representative trail running community. By empowering individuals who reflect the diversity and dedication of the trail running community, STRIDE aims to cultivate a more inclusive, equitable, and inspired sport.
“We started STRIDE after seeing how often talented, deeply committed runners were limited not by ability or dedication, but by access,” Foroughi said. “Trail running has always been about hard work, dedication and community, and STRIDE exists to make sure more people have the opportunity to experience that—at all levels of the sport.”
Applicants for STRIDE grants will be evaluated holistically based on financial need, dedication to the sport, and potential to inspire inclusion and empowerment within the trail running community.
STRIDE is accepting applications for this year’s race cycle now. Find out more at www.stridegrant.org.
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