Western States Backs STRIDE Grants for Trail and Ultra Runners
The Western States Endurance Run Foundation has partnered with STRIDE to fund needs-based grants that help trail and ultra runners cover training, travel, and race fees. Applications are open now.
American River Canyon Alliance
The Western States Endurance Run Foundation has entered a sponsorship partnership with STRIDE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds grants for trail and ultra runners.
STRIDE stands for Support for Trail Running Inclusion Development and Empowerment. Veteran ultrarunners Phil Sanderson and Jaclyn Foroughi founded it in 2025. Their aim is to remove the barriers that keep committed runners off the start line. "We started STRIDE after seeing how often talented, deeply committed runners were limited not by ability or dedication, but by access," Foroughi said in the Foundation's announcement.
The grants provide needs-based financial support. They cover training expenses, travel costs, and race entry fees. Those are the hurdles that stop many capable runners from reaching events, and the grants are built to lower them.
Eligibility is broad. According to the Foundation, STRIDE grants are open to trail and ultra runners of all abilities and experience levels. There are no experience requirements and no race restrictions.
Applications are judged on three factors: financial need, dedication to the sport, and the potential to inspire inclusion in the trail running community.
STRIDE is accepting applications for this year's race cycle now. Prospective applicants can find the details and apply at stridegrant.org.
Some of the sport's most storied miles run through the American River canyons. The American River Canyon Alliance welcomes any effort that helps more runners reach these trails.
Cover photo: SoapyPenny, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.