The Equal Distance Team: Fighting for Gender Equality in Collegiate Racing

In 2020, as the world slowed during the pandemic, Saint Michael’s College Nordic Skiing and Cross Country Coach Molly Peters launched the Equal Distance Team. While many turned to sourdough and stockpiling, Molly poured her energy into a cause she had long championed: equal race distances for NCAA women and men in Nordic skiing and cross country running.

Inspired by STAND by Kathryn Bertine, which documents the fight for a Women’s Tour de France, Molly embraced the message: “The journey toward equal opportunity is always worth the struggle.” She stood up for her athletes and for equality in sport.

For years, NCAA women’s races have been significantly shorter than men’s—often half the distance—reinforcing outdated notions about what female athletes can handle and creating unequal racing experiences. Molly believes sport should empower women and girls, not limit them.

Nordic Skiing: A Victory for Equality

In fall 2020, Molly joined forces with other Nordic ski coaches to form the #SkiEqual Team, pushing for equal distances in collegiate and national ski racing. They submitted proposals to U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the NCAA Ski Committee. Their efforts gained traction: elite coaches, athletes like Jessie Diggins, and organizations began supporting the cause.

In spring 2022, they achieved a breakthrough: the International Ski Federation (FIS) voted to equalize World Cup race distances. This change cascaded down to U.S. Nationals, Junior Worlds, and eventually the Olympics, World Championships, and NCAA Championships—all adopting equal distances by 2023. A huge win.

Cross Country Running: A Tougher Fight

In fall 2021, Molly turned her attention to NCAA Cross Country running. She started a petition and submitted a proposal to the Division I, II, and III Cross Country Committees in June 2022, advocating for an 8K distance for all athletes, regardless of gender.

The committees rejected the proposal without providing clear reasoning. Encouraged by her former Athletic Director, Molly contacted the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics (CWA). In summer 2023, the CWA responded, urging the sport committees to survey athletes and consult the NCAA’s medical board about any potential health risks (yes, that was actually questioned).

Despite the CWA’s push, the Cross Country Committees refused to survey athletes or consult the medical board, once again rejecting the proposal in fall 2023. It was a frustrating and disheartening setback.

Taking the Survey Into Their Own Hands

Undeterred, and with a supportive message from Kathryn Bertine, Molly and the team launched their own national survey to hear directly from student-athletes. The results were overwhelming:

• 89% had thought about the difference in race distances

• 96% believed women could run longer than 6K

• 86% believed women should be able to race 8K or 10K

• 90% wanted the NCAA to conduct an official survey

The results were shared at the USTFCCCA convention in December 2023 and submitted to NCAA Committees ahead of their January 2024 meeting.

How You Can Help

We need your support to keep this momentum going:

• Media Outreach: Know any reporters, podcast hosts, or event organizers? I’m available for interviews and presentations.
  
  

• Sponsorship: Do you work with or know a brand or running influencer who supports equality in sport? Let’s connect.
  
  

• Host an Equal Distance Race: Are you a coach open to hosting an 8K or 10K women’s race this fall? I can help with outreach and provide prizes.
  
  

• Spread the Word: Talk to athletes, coaches, and others in the running community. Awareness is key.