Runner on smashing Alps ultramarathon record by six days
Sophie Woods has set a new record for the 2,000km Via Alpina ultramarathon, completing the trek in 29 days. She overcame extreme weather conditions, including wildfires and heatwaves, to beat the previous record by six days.
Why it matters
This achievement highlights the extreme physical endurance required for long-distance athletic feats and the impact of climate-related environmental challenges on outdoor sports.
Runner on smashing Alps ultramarathon record by 6 days Close Runner Sophie Woods has become the fastest person to complete a 2,000km (1242 miles) ultramarathon across the Alps.
Woods ran the Via Alpina through storms, heat of up to 37C and dodged floods and wildfires across eight countries.
"Through the whole thing, I was only ever thinking about the day, the hour, the sort of minute that I was in", the runner told BBC Breakfast.
The previous record was 35 days and Woods did it in just 29, crediting ice cream slushies for helping her power through.
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