A Weekend of Empowerment and Adventure at SheRuns Camp hosted by Pegasus Ultra

This past weekend, 27th - 29th June 2025, Pegasus Ultra arranged an amazing weekend of workshops, guest speakers and trail running and hikes for SheRuns: Cardiff, a vibrant women-only running group based in the heart of Cardiff. It was a weekend not about competition, but about fun, self-discovery, and the joy of running. SheRuns embodies a philosophy of inclusivity, support, and building community—and that was evident from the moment I set foot at Pegasus HQ in Crickhowell (📸 below).

But unlike typical races that focus on competition, Pegasus Ultra has been instrumental in creating spaces where women can build confidence and challenge themselves in a non-competitive atmosphere. Through joint events like the SheRuns Camp, they’ve shown that ultra-distance events don’t have to be intimidating or isolating; instead, they can be an opportunity for personal growth, connection, and joy. Together, SheRuns and Pegasus Ultra are reshaping the trail running experience for women by fostering an environment that encourages personal growth, camaraderie, and the joy of movement. All my faves in one!!!

What’s particularly powerful about the partnership between SheRuns and Pegasus Ultra is their shared commitment to inclusivity. Many of the women who take part in SheRuns are new to running or just starting their journey, and the weekend camp was designed with this in mind. There was no pressure to be the fastest, and no one had to worry about not being good enough.

Pegasus Ultra understands that ultra-distance running can sometimes feel like an exclusive sport for experienced athletes. They’ve worked with SheRuns to break down those barriers, making trail running accessible to all levels, and providing encouragement and resources for every participant—no matter where they are on their running journey. The camp wasn’t just about running or hiking — it was about learning, connecting, and supporting one another.

Getting some mountain history lesson from our very own mountain ⛰️ goat Nick 

Trail Running: Celebrating Every Step

For SheRuns, running is never about speed or finishing first. It’s about running at your own pace, celebrating every step, and encouraging each other along the way. At SheRuns Camp, trail running was at the heart of it all. The terrain was challenging—filled with twists, turns, and breath-taking views Black Mountains of the Bannau Brycheiniog landscape—but every woman was given the freedom to run (or walk!) at her own pace.

Whether you were charging up a hill or taking your time to enjoy the surroundings, no one was left behind. I volunteered to be at the back and used this as an opportunity to support and chat all the way round! This was a weekend to celebrate the journey, not the finish line. It was about the personal victories: conquering a tough hill, finding peace in nature, or simply being proud of moving your body in ways that felt good for you. So wonderful to see and hear all the different experiences of the ladies with some being very new to trail running and others who have completed many ultras.

Inspiring Guest Speakers: Strength Beyond the Physical

Alongside the physical challenges, we were treated to inspiring talks. The amazing Rhys Jenkins (Co-founder and Race director of Pegasus Ultra) shared his jouney and the incredible challenges that he has taken on plus the near death experience he went through during one of his adventures. 

Rhys Jenkins and Nye ☺️

I was also given the platform to share my running journey including the highs and lows of it all. I took this opportunity to highlight topics like resilience, body positivity, and mental well-being—reminding us that running isn’t just about the physical act; it’s about strengthening the mind and spirit too.

Proudly wearing my Here for the women's race tshirt

One topic that resonated with many was about overcoming self-doubt and finding confidence, not just on the trail, but in life. It was a beautiful reminder that the strength we develop through running can spill over into all other areas of our lives—whether that’s at work, in relationships, or in the way we view ourselves.

Final evening of the weekend. Having a cosy chat about all things.

Adventure Workshops: Learning and Growing Together

The weekend wasn’t just about running; it was about learning and growing together. Throughout the weekend, we participated in hands-on workshops that covered everything from trail navigation and injury prevention to mental techniques for staying motivated. These sessions weren’t just about becoming better runners—they were about becoming better, more confident women.

Navigation and map reading delivered by Nick Lyons: If you are anything like me then you will have become accustomed to using the navigation on your watch during training or race. I do not own any maps or compass. As trail runners, we often rely on GPS watches and apps to guide us through remote terrain. But what happens if your battery dies mid-run, you lose GPS signal or your device malfunctions? That’s when traditional navigation skills become not just helpful—but essential.

📍 Why Map & Compass Skills Still Matter

1.     Tech Fails – Even high-end GPS watches and phones are vulnerable to battery drain, poor weather, or signal blackouts. A paper map never runs out of charge.

2.     Self-Reliance – Knowing how to read a topographic map, orient a compass, and understand key features (like contour lines, spurs, and re-entrants) makes you more independent and confident.

3.     Route Finding – Trails often vanish in bad weather, overgrowth, or snow. A GPS might show a straight line, but map reading helps you choose a safe and sensible route around terrain challenges.

4.     Safety Backup – In emergencies, having a map and compass—and knowing how to use them—can help you reorient, locate escape routes, or guide rescuers to your position.

This is a skill that needs to be revisited often as with everything else, use it or lose it. Myself included!

Need to buy this book! 

Bearhug session delivered by Rhys George (Co-founder and Managing Director)

Bearhug’s compression sleeves deliver practical, scientifically-informed recovery support—rooted in bamboo-charcoal's ability to increase blood flow and soothe muscles. Perfect for race prep, injury maintenance, and keeping everyday performance on track. Some of the products on offer includes: calf compression sleeve, knee compression sleeve, thigh compression sleeve.  The products can be used during activity, after training or all day relief to ease swelling or repetitive strain soreness. I wear my knee compression sleeves in the gym regularly.

Rhys told us about the different products already on the market as well as up and coming products currently in testing, very exciting!

Other workshops that took place over the weekend delivered by Malou Evans

Icebath

Meditation

A Community of Women Supporting Women

But what truly made this weekend special was the sense of community. SheRuns has always placed a strong emphasis on inclusivity and creating a supportive, welcoming space for women of all abilities. Whether you were a seasoned runner or someone taking your first steps into the sport, you were met with encouragement and warmth.

During the SheRuns Camp experience, Pegasus Ultra helped facilitate a weekend where women could step outside their comfort zones, challenge their own limits, and embrace the mental and physical benefits of running. The trails may have been tough, but the support was even tougher—meaning no one was ever left behind. The atmosphere was focused on growth, self-discovery, and pushing your own boundaries, all in a way that kept running fun and engaging.

As we tackled the trails together, it was clear that SheRuns is more than just a running group—it’s a sisterhood. Women cheered each other on, shared their experiences, and built new friendships. Everyone felt a sense of belonging, whether we were laughing over a cup of tea or comforting each other through the tough stretches of the trail.

Well-Being: The Heart of SheRuns

SheRuns isn’t just about running—it’s about well-being, too. The physical and mental health benefits of running are powerful, and SheRuns makes sure that every woman has access to those benefits in a safe and supportive environment.

Throughout the weekend, the ladies were encouraged to listen to our bodies, take rest when needed, and remember that running is a gift to ourselves. It’s not about pushing through pain or achieving perfection; it’s about finding joy in movement, embracing our strengths, and supporting each other every step of the way.

Takeaways: Empowerment, Growth, and Connection

By the end of the weekend, I believe that everyone left with more than just sore legs and new skills. We left with a sense of empowerment, a stronger sense of community, and a deeper understanding of the role running plays in our well-being. SheRuns Camp wasn’t just about becoming better trail runners—it was about growing as women, inside and out.

Thank you to Pegasus Ultra for an incredible experience, the SheRuns team, the inspiring guest speakers, and all the incredible women  (and men!) who made this weekend so special. Whether you’re new to running or a seasoned athlete, there’s always a place for you in the SheRuns community. Thank you Rhys and Cerys for asking me to be a guest speaker and giving me the opportunity to share and connect. Would I do this again? ABSOLUTELY!! Ready and waiting for the next opportunity 😊

If you’re looking for a supportive, inclusive group where you can connect with other women, challenge yourself, and find joy in running, I highly recommend checking out SheRuns: Cardiff. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Conclusion: A Sisterhood of Strength

SheRuns Camp at Pegasus Ultra was more than just a weekend of trail running—it was a weekend of growth, connection, and empowerment. It was a powerful reminder that running, like life, is about progress, not perfection. It’s about showing up for yourself, and showing up for each other.

The way Pegasus Ultra collaborates with SheRuns reflects their shared belief that running should be accessible to all, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re training for an ultra or just starting out with trail running, the key is the supportive environment they create together.

Pegasus Ultra has truly shown that trail running is for every woman, at every level of fitness, and that the power of movement can create meaningful change, both personally and within the community. By empowering women to move, to challenge themselves, and to take up space in the world of trail running, they’ve helped redefine what it means to be a runner—one step at a time.

Here’s to more runs, more adventures, and more memories with this incredible community.

Why More Women Should Take on the SheRuns Experience with Pegasus Ultra

Running is often seen as an individual sport, but through SheRuns and their partnership with Pegasus Ultra, it’s about so much more than just running. It’s about discovering your strength, challenging yourself in new ways, and being part of a supportive community that celebrates every woman’s journey, no matter where she starts.

For any woman looking to join a welcoming, empowering, and supportive running community, SheRuns is the place to be. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned runner, SheRuns and Pegasus Ultra are here to help you find joy in movement and be part of something bigger.

So, why should more women take on the SheRuns experience, especially with the guidance and support of Pegasus Ultra?

1. It’s a Safe, Supportive Space for All Women

2. A Chance to Challenge Yourself, Mentally and Physically

3. Building a Strong Sense of Community and Connection

4. A Fun, Relaxing, and Inspiring Experience

5. Learning from Experts: Education and Inspiration

6. Empowerment: Discovering Strength, Inside and Out

Running can be solitary, but with SheRuns, it’s anything but. Through this experience, you’ll gain access to a community of strong, like-minded women who understand your struggles, share in your successes, and cheer you on every step of the way. The SheRuns community is built on a foundation of support, and the collaborative spirit with Pegasus Ultra helps enhance that experience.

Whether it’s sharing tips, giving each other a boost during a tough section of the trail, or simply bonding over a warm drink at the end of the day, SheRuns shows that the best part of running is the community that supports you. It’s about friendship, shared experiences, and growing together.

One of the biggest advantages of the SheRuns experience with Pegasus Ultra is the wealth of knowledge available through the guest speakers and workshops. These events offer a chance to learn from some of the best in the field—from running techniques and injury prevention to mental strategies for tackling tough trails. You’ll walk away not only with new skills for your running journey but with a greater understanding of how to approach physical activity in a way that prioritizes your health and well-being.

Women who take part in SheRuns gain valuable tools for building a lifelong love of running and wellness. You’ll learn practical strategies for fuelling your body, pacing yourself, and staying motivated. This knowledge isn’t just about running—it’s about life. It’s about embracing the mind-set that you are capable of more than you think.

The SheRuns experience with Pegasus Ultra is designed to empower women to discover their true potential, both on and off the trail. It’s about taking ownership of your body, finding joy in movement, and developing confidence. The support and camaraderie you receive help you break free from self-limiting beliefs and push through mental and physical barriers.

Running teaches you to trust yourself, to push through difficult moments, and to celebrate your achievements. With Pegasus Ultra, you’ll learn how to with a positive mind-set, and most importantly, you’ll feel proud of every step you take. Whether you’re running a few miles or tackling an ultra, you’ll leave feeling empowered and ready to face whatever comes next.

Until next time 🙏🏿💜❤️

📸 kindly taken by SheRuns ladies, Daz Photography and of course me!