Uncovered: Runher Magazine and The Future of Women's Running Media

In this episode of Ultra Uncovered, hosts Corinne Shalvoy and Russell Ditsworth talk with Ashley Mateo, Editor-in-Chief of Runher Magazine, to explore the origin, mission, and impact of one of the newest and most compelling voices in running media.
Ashley shares her unconventional journey into the sport, from a lifelong gymnast to a dedicated marathoner, and how her career in traditional media ultimately led her to identify a major gap. There was a lack of meaningful, in-depth storytelling centered on women in running.
What began as frustration with SEO-driven content and limited editorial space for nuanced stories evolved into a bold idea. Create a print magazine dedicated to women’s running.
Through a successful Kickstarter campaign that quickly exceeded expectations, Runher Magazine proved there was a strong appetite for long-form, thoughtful, and inclusive storytelling in the sport.
We discuss:
• Why print still matters in a digital-first world and how slowing down enhances the reader experience
• The importance of diverse voices and contributors, from journalists to subject-matter experts outside traditional running media
• A reimagined approach to advertising as storytelling, highlighting the real work brands are doing to support women athletes
• The editorial commitment to inclusive representation, including trans and non-binary runners, and why those stories matter now more than ever
• The behind-the-scenes realities of building a magazine, from pitching and timelines to sourcing photography and managing freelancers
Ashley also reflects on broader trends shaping the sport, including the surge in women’s participation, the growing visibility of elite female athletes, and the evolving conversation around race formats, accessibility, and climate challenges in marathoning.
At its core, Runher Magazine is more than a publication. It is a platform built on the belief that women’s stories in running deserve depth, permanence, and visibility beyond fleeting headlines. And you know we love celebrating women here on Ultra Uncovered.
Subscribe to Runher Magazine (runhermag.com) or consider gifting it to a friend!
Follow Ultra Uncovered on YouTube (youtube.com/@ultrauncoveredpodhttps://www.yout…)and and leave us a comment