Women's Decathlon National Championships & HERicanes Girls' Decathlon Expo

'World’s Greatest Athlete' is a title reserved for the Olympic champions of the Decathlon - an event exclusively for men. The Decathlon is a 10 event test of athleticism, endurance, and strength. Women have historically been denied participation in track and field’s ultimate competition.

So we’re organizing our own.

The Women's Decathlon National Championships will be held August 12-13 at Hilmer Lodge Stadium at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, CA. In support of this event, HERicanes will host the Girls' Decathlon Expo on the grounds of Mt. SAC on these same dates.

Founded and organized by Lauren Kuntz, who won the gold medal at the World Ultra Multi-Event Championships in France in the Icosathlon (“Double Decathlon”), the Women’s Decathlon National Championship will give women the opportunity to take to the track to compete for the title of America’s Greatest Athlete.

"It is so important to me that young girls see themselves as being able to do anything - on and off the track. Athletics can be such a character building endeavor, but what message are we sending as a sport when we’re implicitly telling young women they aren’t capable of doing what their male counterparts can do? Pushing for both the women’s decathlon and icosathlon is my own way of helping bring equity into track and field and create the world as I wish it was," says Kuntz.

HERicanes, a nonprofit that fosters leadHERship and empowHERment for girls and young women, is partnering on this event to bring awareness and exposure to young girls about the events of the decathlon and the movement to allow women to compete at the same levels as men. As hosts of the Girls' Decathlon Expo, HERicanes will create a supportive environment where girls can learn, practice and explore safe, scaled versions of several decathlon events: 100m, long jump, shot put, high jump, 400m, 110m hurdles, discus, pole vault, javelin, and 1500m.

Youth will learn about the events and skills required from local female college athletes, who will help demonstrate and teach techniques required for these events. Girls (and boys) will receive hands-on experience with decathlon events plus the opportunity to connect with role models who compete in these sports, in addition to attending this free, inspiring women's championship event.

This is a fantastic family event! There will be scaled decathlon events for the kids, food and drink booths, and potential appearances by celebrities.

We will have opportunities for female-owned businesses, including event sponsor OYA Femtech (https://wearoya.com/) to support the remarkable and inspiring athletes, as well as share their products and services.

Join us for one, two, or all ten events. Come out for the day, or contribute as a sponsor of the event. Either way, female athletes from all sports benefit.

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