Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Jodi Horton and Ashlee Hinds of Women’s Epic Race Is Helping To Change Our World
We had women of all walks of life, from all over the nation come together and cheer each other on while facing their own challenge — Moms, grandmas, pregnant soon-to-be mamas, and sexual abuse survivors. I can think of one woman in particular that had just weeks before, finished her last cancer treatment and was celebrating by moving her body. She chose to celebrate with us on the mountain. I found that incredibly inspiring. Her determination was very moving.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jodi Horton and Ashlee Hinds of Women’s Epic Race
Together, with their experience in business and the health and fitness world, Jodi Horton and Ashlee Hinds created a trail running race geared towards women. Women’s Epic is an empowering, moving, and challenging event that celebrates all women.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
We have both always had a passion for three things: the outdoors, business, and empowering women. So the creation of Women’s Epic felt like a natural progression into the trail running world.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
The entire growth process has been interesting and eye opening. Our mission has always been to get more women out on the trails and we did not realize how many women have never had the opportunity. Women with the mountains in their own backyard had never had the opportunity to enjoy them. We have had multiple race participants explain the event as life-changing or life-altering.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
This story didn’t feel funny at the moment, but it is comical looking back now. When we first came up with the idea of Women’s Epic Race, we didn’t have a name, website, logo, etc. I didn’t even know where to start to be honest. So I thought I’d just begin by calling different resorts and vendors to get a quote for hosting an event at their location. The first call I had was a punch to the gut. The PR representative at the location asked me what the name of our race was, how long it was, who was on our team, etc. and I had no answers for her — I told her I just wanted to put on a trail race for women. She told me I was unprofessional and had no idea what it took to put on a race like that. I felt so defeated. But it helped me be 100% prepared for the next time I pitched the event. One year later we had a sold out trail race at a world-class resort with some of the biggest sponsors in the industry! I’m so glad I let that initial failure be a learning lesson and not defeat me.
- Ashlee Hinds
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
After seeing the response from the first event, we discovered there is a huge gap for women in the trail running space. Women’s Epic will host two trail races this summer with the intention to continue to fill that gap and give more women the opportunity to get out on the trails and summit a mountain.
Women’s Epic Race is also proud to be supporting our charity partner, No More Victims Nonprofit. A portion of every race entry fee is donated to provide mental health services and advocacy for children who have been abused.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
We had women of all walks of life, from all over the nation come together and cheer each other on while facing their own challenge — Moms, grandmas, pregnant soon-to-be mamas, and sexual abuse survivors. I can think of one woman in particular that had just weeks before, finished her last cancer treatment and was celebrating by moving her body. She chose to celebrate with us on the mountain. I found that incredibly inspiring. Her determination was very moving.
-Jodi Horton
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
I feel that a shift has already begun. We are seeing more women hiking groups across the nation. More brands are focusing on women in the athletic world and events like Women’s Epic lend a hand in creating an environment where adventure seeking women can come together.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
When we first started Women’s Epic, Julian Carr, the founder of Cirque Series, the most incredible trail running series, was so kind and took a call with us to share some of his wisdom. We could not offer him anything and he had no obligation to help out our “startup” race. But he took the time to learn about our race and share his hard/earned wisdom. Julian possesses that leadership quality and is able to lend a tremendous amount of guidance. We love watching the Cirque Series continue to grow and dominate in the trail running space!
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- What I am doing can make a difference.
- Always, Always follow your gut.
- You are far more capable than you think.
- A little bit of encouragement goes a long way.
- You already know it’s a good idea.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“It is what it is” I have no idea who coined this phrase. I say this to myself quite often. I feel that I can apply it to so many aspects of my life. For me it means I am able to move on from things outside of my control and to continually pivot to find new solutions.
-Jodi
“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyways” — John Wayne
This quote is so empowering to me. It reminds me that courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s believing in something so much that no amount of fear or “what if” thoughts can stop me from saddling up and taking action.
-Ashlee
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
I’ve always been a fan of Martha Stewart. Random, I know coming from the sports world. However, I admire her business sense and ability to adapt and stay relevant. I believe that her ability in creating a brand that has stood the test of time is a massive achievement. She is a badass and someone I have such respect for. Having any sort of interaction with her would be incredible.
-Jodi
Demi-Leigh Tebow is one of my biggest role models. Not only was she crowned Miss Universe, but she is an incredible, purpose-driven entrepreneur with multiple businesses and a nonprofit. Her and her husband Tim Tebow run a nonprofit organization that fights against child sexual exploitation and human trafficking. She is such an inspiration to me and going to lunch with her would be an absolute dream!
-Ashlee
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Your readers can follow us on Instagram at:
@womens.epic
And visit our website:
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Jodi Horton and Ashlee Hinds of Women’s Epic Race Is Helping To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.