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Women's Running Conference 2025 - Round-Up
24/04/2025 00:00, In Blog /
On Saturday 12 April, Welsh Athletics organised the UK's first Women's Running Conference. Hosted at the Newport Campus of the University of South Wales, over 200 runners came together for an inspiring and educational day centred around female running.
The conference kicked off with an inspiring talk and Q&A with Dame Denise Lewis. Reacting to her empowering advice, one attendee fed back:
Denise Lewis being such a high profile guest was a treat, she was so engaging and was even kind enough to make a video for my daughter to give her advice on her future heptathlon journey.
After sharing her story and expert advice, Denise joined a panel of guest speakers, which included GB Athlete and former parkrun record holder Charlotte Dobbs (nee Arter), 2023 Newport Marathon winner Lizzie Dimond and founder of The Running Social, Katie Kenward-Gibbs.
Denise, Charlotte and Katie. Photo by Patrick So.
The day followed with lectures and workshops from a host of experts from the fields of Nutrition, Menopause, Menstrual Cycles, Pre & Post Partum Running and Pelvic Health.
Imogen Williams delivering a workshop on Pelvic Health. Photo by Joe Blake.
Finally, after a light lunch and a chance to get advice from a whole host of exhibitors, attendees enjoyed hearing from a final guest panel with the owner of Empowered Women Online Fitness Community, Lauren Green, founder of Newport Female Runner's Network, Lucy Bebbington-Lewis and Safe Running expert Suzanne Taylor.
One attendee shared:
Both Q&A sessions were fantastic. I felt as though I was part of something really special, and learned so much.
Soft Tissue Therapist, Dave Rowe, offering advice to runners in the exhibition hall. Photo by Joe Blake.
The event was hosted by Ultra Endurance Athlete & Broadcaster, Lowri Morgan. Summarising the event, Lowri shared:
We had such an amazing, inspirational, empowering and exciting day where we celebrated the first ever UK Women's Running Conference, and it was an absolute pleasure to play a tiny part in it. I am absolutely inspired by these runners, these women that I have spoken to and have heard from and I have learnt so much.
I think it is really important that we do hold these type of events where women can discuss and share advice and become not just stronger runners but more inclusive runners where we can bring other people from different parts of the running world, doesnt matter about pace, doesnt matter about your running goals but we are all together as a family in one place for the day and I think it has been really empowering.
Denise hugging Lizzie and celebrating her strength after meeting for the first time. Photo by Patrick So.
Hannah Baulch, Head of Participation & Event Organiser, shared:
Women’s running in Wales is on an upward trajectory and it fills me with immense pride, reflecting on our inaugural Women’s Running Conference. To have observed the passion and empowerment throughout the day created by the guest panels, expert speakers and attendees was truly inspiring.
To have so many like-minded people one room embracing what it is to be female and to share stories and knowledge to better their own running experiences was fantastic.
Combining engaging guest panels and expert speakers, the day not only educated but brought people together throughout our running community across Wales. We hope throughout the next year we can continue to share more knowledge in this space to continue this movement and ensure that we are always championing women participating in our sport.
After the conference, we asked attendees to share their feedback to help us plan next year's event, and we were overwhelmed by the kind words:
This is the best event, overall that I’ve attended in 30 years. Content was quality and there were no wasteful, landfill freebies being given out by stallholders, OR single use lanyards/wristbands/physical tickets for event attendees - very refreshing to see! Thank you. Looking forward to next year’s event.
Thank you so much. I’m expecting my first baby and continuing to run (slowly!), and cannot emphasise enough how valuable the content of today’s conference was. Who run the world?!
Loved the relaxed atmosphere and the down to earth approach. So relatable and so many take homes.
I really enjoyed it all and came away feeling very inspired by all the speakers. Such an amazing group of like minded
The whole event was very well organised. All staff were very approachable. The stalls were great too. It was great being in the lecture theatre as it felt “cosy” and not a massive space. Much more personal to everyone. Really looking forward to the next one.
Fantastic day - exhibitors were great too! Thank you so much. Felt inspired to run back to Brecon!!
What a fantastic and inspiring day, thank you!!
Full room of fabulous attendees. Photo by Joe Blake.
Planning is well underway for next year's Women's Running Conference, and with all your fantastic feedback, we hope it will be another incredible event. Thank you for all your support.
Access free photos of the event here. Please credit Welsh Athletics & Patrick So.