At For All Mothers+, we believe that no one should have to choose between parenthood and participation. Yet, too often, race and event policies overlook the realities of pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and caregiving responsibilities—forcing mothers and caregivers to opt out.

It’s time to change that.

By adopting Family Forward best practices, events can become more inclusive, ensuring that parents, caregivers, and families don’t have to miss out. Whether you’re a race director, event organizer, or industry leader, these five key steps will help you create an environment where all athletes feel welcome and supported.

Creating Family Forward Events

5 Basic Steps for Family Forward Events

1. Offer Deferral & Flexible Registration Policies

Life with a growing family is unpredictable. Event policies should reflect that. Offering deferrals, refunds, or virtual options ensures that pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and caregiving challenges don’t mean a lost entry fee or missed experience.

  • Implement clear pregnancy and postpartum deferral policies and communicate them on your website and registration pages.

  • Allow no-cost deferrals for participants who are pregnant, postpartum, or recovering from pregnancy loss.

  • Offer partial refunds, credits, or virtual options for those unable to attend due to caregiving responsibilities.

  • Need help getting started? Our Playbook includes sample policy language and eligibility criteria. Submit your event to the Family Forward Event Directory and receive a free version of our comprehensive Playbook.

2. Provide On-Site Lactation Spaces

Lactating athletes deserve access to clean, private spaces to pump or nurse during events. Creating lactation-friendly environments makes it easier for moms to show up and compete.

  • Set up lactation spaces—such as tents, trailers, or mobile pods (e.g., Mamava)—near start and finish lines.

  • Ensure spaces include seating, power outlets, sanitizing wipes, privacy signage, and hydration stations.

  • Promote lactation spaces in race materials so participants know they are available.

  • Bonus: Ask participants about their lactation needs during registration to plan accordingly.

From left to right: MomForward5k 2024, For All Mothers+ ; TCS NYC Marathon 2024, NYRR ; Go Girls! Go Bears! Go Play! 2025, UC Berkeley

3. Create On-Site Childcare or Family Zones

Parents often feel as though they have to choose between running and finding childcare. Offering family-friendly spaces helps caregivers stay engaged and supported.

  • Partner with licensed childcare providers to offer supervised care during race hours.

  • Secure discounts with flexible drop-in childcare partners (like Bumo).

  • Set up family zones with shaded seating, activities, snacks, and quiet areas for naps.

  • Ensure stroller-accessible paths, diaper-changing stations, and inclusive amenities for parents.

4. Highlight Mother & Caregiver Stories in Marketing

Representation matters. Featuring real mother-athletes and caregivers in your event promotions fosters a more inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Showcase moms, pregnant athletes, and caregivers in social media, newsletters, and race-day materials.

  • Create a Mother Athlete Spotlight series to celebrate diverse caregiving experiences.

  • Use inclusive hashtags and calls to action—#MotherRunner, #MomsWhoRun, #ForAllMothers—and we’ll help amplify them!

5. Allow Stroller Divisions or Parent/Child Waves

Families want to run together, and they should have the opportunity to do so safely. Offering stroller divisions and parent/child waves ensures everyone can participate.

  • Add a stroller division to race registration and outline clear safety guidelines.

  • Designate separate start waves for families with strollers to prevent crowding.

  • Ensure course accessibility for strollers and family participants.

  • Offer family-friendly distances (e.g., 1-mile fun runs) to encourage caregiver and child participation.

Be Part of the Change

Adopting Family Forward practices isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the future of racing. By implementing these steps, your event can lead the way in making sports more accessible for parents and caregivers.

Need guidance? Submit your event to our Family Forward Event Directory and receive a free version of our playbook for templates, policy examples, and best practices to get started.

Let’s make races and events truly For All Mothers+.