About the Equal Distance Team

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 in cross country running and nordic skiing were significantly shorter than men’s—often half the distance—reinforcing outdated notions about what female athletes can handle and creating unequal racing experiences.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. The breakthrough came when the U.S. and other countries, including the chair of the International Ski Federation (FIS) board for cross country, Vegard Ulvang proposed equal distances at the International level.  

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

This winter they held equal distance races accross the board and had the first 50km for women at the 2026 Olympic Cross Country races! 

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 NCAA Division I, II, and III Cross Country Committees in June 2022, advocating for an 8K distance for all athletes, regardless of gender. The initial proposal is HERE. 

The NCAA rejected proposals for equal distance and argued that increasing women’s race distances could negatively impact participation and the sport itself. There were even questions raised about whether it could create health concerns for women athletes.

So instead of waiting around, we decided to ask the athletes directly. We launched a national survey of collegiate runners, and more than 900 student-athletes responded. The results were overwhelming:

• 96% believed women are capable of racing farther than 6K

• 86% believed women should race 8K or 10K

• 90% wanted the NCAA to conduct an official survey

The athletes were very clear. But despite that, the NCAA still declined to conduct its own survey. We were at a standstill. 

The Equal Distance Project 

Earlier this spring, we launched our newest advocacy effort, the Equal Distance Project, a national petition asking marathon runners and the larger running community to support equal race distances in NCAA cross-country.

The support has been incredible. Athletes and legends of the sport including Kathrine Switzer, Kara Goucher, Deena Kastor, Bill Rodgers, and many others have signed on in support.

Our goal is to share this petition with marathon events across the United States. My hope is that when marathon runners see this petition they pause and reconsider why, at the collegiate championship level, women are still racing meaningfully shorter distances than men. I want to advocate to a larger runner-based audience in hopes the NCAA will feel the pressure.

Women don’t need limitations placed on them  — They need opportunities.

So please, sign the petition, share the message, and help us continue pushing for change.

Because NCAA cross-country should have equal distances.

And with enough voices behind it, eventually it will.