Sophie Power Sparks Womans Revolution

The Stand: How One Runner’s Unstoppable Spirit Ignited a Movement for Women in Sport

Sophie Power decided to run an ultramarathon before she had ever consistently run. This decision, born from a period of professional change, ignited a passion. That passion has since fuelled a movement, creating tangible and positive advancements for female athletes. In 2018, a single photograph captured this brewing revolution. It showed Power nursing her infant son, who was three months old, during a gruelling 106-mile race. The image quickly went viral. It starkly highlighted the inflexible policies that forced her to choose between her passion and her role as a new mother, as she had no way to postpone her hard-won race entry. Today, some of the globe's most prestigious competitions, the London Marathon among them, have now adopted postponement options for pregnancy, a direct result of Power’s tireless advocacy.

An Unlikely Start

When she was twenty-six, Sophie Power found herself at a crossroads after losing her position in the finance industry. Seeking a new challenge, she committed to her initial formidable 250-kilometre ultramarathon. She had no background in running. A friend, who had just finished the same event, suggested it. He believed her background with her university's air squadron had equipped her with the necessary mental fortitude and stamina for such an undertaking. Power embraced the suggestion. The very next day, she went for her first proper run. It was a revelation. The experience of being outdoors and pushing her body in a different manner was immediately addictive.

Discovering a Passion

The world of ultra-running captivated her instantly. Power found she loved the connection with nature and the diverse mix of people she encountered. These were individuals from all walks of life, brought together by a shared love for endurance. She dedicated herself to rigorous training. This newfound dedication took her to stage races across the globe. She was no longer just testing a new hobby; she was living a new passion. This period of intense competition and travel solidified her identity as an endurance athlete. She was pushing her physical and mental limits in ways she had never imagined.

The Mont Blanc Dilemma

A few years later, soon after Cormac, her second child, was born, Power faced a difficult choice. Three years prior, she had to forfeit her place in the famous UTMB, the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, while recovering following the arrival of her first son, Donnacha. She was determined not to let history repeat itself. The UTMB, similar to other competitions then, had no policy in place for pregnancy-related deferrals. This lack of flexibility created a significant barrier for female athletes. Power had earned her spot and was unwilling to lose it again simply because she had become a mother.

Image Credit - Women's Running

A Postpartum Triumph

Despite being far from peak physical condition so soon after childbirth, Power decided to take her place at the starting point. Her initial goal was modest: to simply begin the race and maybe walk the first ten kilometres. However, her competitive spirit took over. She walked almost the entire 106-mile course, which included a staggering 10,000 metres of climbing. She only broke into a run for a brief segment after one of the highest peaks, driven by a fear of hypothermia. An incredible 43.5 hours later, she finished the competition with her three-year-old son, Donnacha, inside the official cut-off time.

A Photo That Sparked a Change

That finish line moment remains a source of immense personal pride for Power. Yet, it was another moment from that event which would have a far wider impact. Alexis Berg, a photographer from France and a regular at ultra events, was documenting the 2018 UTMB. He witnessed an unprecedented scene at a refuelling point in his career. He captured the image of Power seated, pausing from the brutal race to breastfeed her infant son. Berg knew the scene was unusual, but he could not have predicted the photo's profound effect. He later acknowledged that he just pressed a button; Sophie's actions did the rest.

A Global Reaction

The picture of Power nursing resonated with people globally. The image presented a raw and powerful image of motherhood and athletic determination colliding. The picture went viral, sparking conversations about the unseen barriers women in sports face. For Power, the global reaction was a turning point. She realised that her personal struggle highlighted a systemic issue. She believed she ought not to have been forced to compete in such a demanding race just three months after giving birth. The experience solidified her resolve to advocate for change, ensuring other women would not have to confront a similar impossible choice.

The Birth of SheRaces

Motivated by her experience, Power established the SheRaces charity. Its core mission is to break down the barriers that prevent women from participating in races on an equal footing with men. The charity focuses on safeguarding the interests of returning mothers and creating a more inclusive environment for all female athletes. Power wanted to ensure that no woman would have to risk her health to pursue her passion for sport. SheRaces became the platform through which she could channel the momentum from her viral photo into concrete action and lasting policy changes.

An Immediate Impact

The impact of the viral photograph was swift. Almost immediately, several male race directors contacted Power. They expressed their embarrassment for not having previously considered the unique challenges faced by female athletes, particularly mothers. Many admitted that postponement policies for pregnancy were an issue they had simply overlooked. Inspired by her story, they pledged to add such policies to their events. This initial wave of support demonstrated a clear need and a willingness within the sporting community to address these inequalities once they were brought to light. It was the first sign of a significant shift in perspective.

 Image Credit - Women's Running

Understanding the Obstacles

To build on this initial momentum, Power embarked on a comprehensive research project. She connected with more than two thousand women. She wanted to understand the full spectrum of issues that kept them from the starting point. Her investigation confirmed that pregnancy deferral was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Women shared experiences of ill-fitting race T-shirts, inadequate toilet facilities, and safety concerns. This deep dive into the lived experiences of women in sports provided the crucial data needed to develop a robust framework for change and advocate for more inclusive race standards.

Beyond the Elite Field

Power’s advocacy extends far beyond the world of professional sport. As a passionate amateur athlete herself, her primary focus is on the everyday females who have felt excluded from sport. She recognised that the issues she faced were magnified for those without sponsorship or public profiles. Her work aims to create a more welcoming environment for participants at all levels, from local 5k runs to international ultramarathons. She believes that sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or ability. This grassroots focus is a cornerstone of the SheRaces philosophy.

Tackling the ‘Dream Deficit’

A key finding from her investigation was the alarming rate at which young women leave athletics. Power identifies this as a "dream deficit" when compared to their male peers. She argues that a significant factor behind this is the terminology employed to promote sporting events. Phrases like "hardest, toughest, baddest" often create a culture that feels exclusionary and off-putting to many females. This aggressive, male-centric marketing can alienate potential participants before they even consider signing up. Power believes that changing this narrative is fundamental to encouraging lifelong participation in sport.

A Female-Centric Vision

Power challenges the status quo by posing questions about rethinking sport from a female perspective. This involves more than just policy changes; it requires a complete reimagining of how sporting opportunities are presented and delivered. She advocates for tailoring events to what girls and women want, ensuring that sports are available in suitable locations and formats. This could mean different race formats, more collaborative events, or simply a greater emphasis on community and personal achievement over aggressive competition. Her vision is for a sporting landscape that truly reflects the diverse motivations of all participants.

Establishing New Standards

The culmination of her investigation was a list of nine clear principles for race organisers. These guidelines provide a practical roadmap for creating more welcoming competitions. They cover a wide range of issues, from adapting the wording and visuals on websites to appeal to women, to practical provisions on race day. The principles call for female-specific toilets, the availability of period products, and dedicated changing facilities. They also address the common issue of unisex T-shirts, advocating for female-fit options for all entrants. This comprehensive approach aims to address the small but significant details that collectively improve the race experience for women.

Ensuring Fair Competition

The SheRaces guidelines also extend to the competitive aspects of racing. For elite events, the principles demand equal media coverage for the women's competition. This includes promotion on social platforms, press reporting, and live-streamed content. Furthermore, the guidelines call for equal prize money for female competitors, ensuring that their athletic achievements are valued as highly as men's. Another key recommendation is the adjustment of cut-off times. Stricter cut-offs can disproportionately affect female fields, and adapting them can significantly increase female participation and completion rates, particularly in endurance events.

A Safer Sporting Environment

A crucial component of the SheRaces framework is the implementation of a robust policy on protection and inappropriate conduct. This principle addresses the safety concerns that many women have when participating in events, particularly on remote trails or at night. By requiring race organisers to have clear and accessible policies, SheRaces aims to create an environment where women feel safe and supported. This commitment to safety is fundamental to breaking down among the most significant barriers to female participation in sport. It ensures that organisers have a responsibility to protect all athletes.

A Landmark Victory with UTMB

Power's advocacy has resulted in significant victories. The organisers of the UTMB, the very race where her journey began, have since implemented a world-leading postponement option for pregnancy. As of 2023, their policy for major lottery-based events grants pregnant athletes a complete reimbursement and preferential entry for a period as long as five years. This extended timeframe acknowledges the physical and mental recovery needed after childbirth. The policy also inclusively covers partners of pregnant women, as well as parents who are in the process of adoption or using a surrogate, offering them a deferral of up to two years.

 Image Credit - Advnture

Progress at Major Marathons

The movement for change has also reached several of the globe's most famous road races. The marathons in Boston, London, and New York now provide options for pregnancy-related postponements. The London Marathon, following extensive campaigning by Power and SheRaces, allows participants a deferral period of three years post-childbirth. This allows athletes to keep their hard-earned championship or "Good for Age" places, which was not possible under the previous rules. These changes represent a major step forward in making premier running events more accessible to mothers.

The Battle Over Fees

Despite this progress, Power emphasizes that the fight is far from over. A significant point of contention remains the practice of charging mothers a second entry fee when they use their deferral. She argues that this financial penalty effectively punishes women for having children. While race organisers point to the commercial realities of their events, Power maintains that these policies are not truly equitable. She continues to campaign for these fees to be waived, viewing it as a critical next step towards genuine equality on the starting point. The issue highlights the ongoing financial barriers that can hinder women's return to sport.

A Spectrum of Support

In her campaigning, Power has encountered a wide range of reactions from race organisers. She places them on a spectrum of support. A small number, often those with female race directors, were already implementing inclusive practices. A larger group was quick to embrace the SheRaces guidelines, eager to do the right thing and improve their events. However, another significant portion of organisers are primarily motivated by their bottom line. For them, the argument for change is an economic one: more female participants mean more revenue. Power's work involves persuading this group that inclusivity is good for business.

Confronting the ‘Dinosaurs’

At the far end of the spectrum are the "dinosaurs," as Power calls them. These are race organisers who remain resistant to change and do not appreciate the perspective or experience of female athletes. They often cling to traditional, male-dominated views of sport. Power also challenges brands and sponsors who publicly support women through their marketing campaigns yet continue to sponsor races that fail to meet basic inclusivity standards. She believes that these brands have a crucial role to play in driving change by aligning their sponsorship decisions with their stated values.

Pushing Her Own Boundaries

As her influence as a campaigner has grown, so too has Power's ambition as an athlete. She continues to test her own physical and mental limits, undertaking extraordinary endurance challenges. These feats not only satisfy her personal drive but also serve to inspire other women and girls. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible, she demonstrates the strength and resilience of female athletes. Her personal achievements lend authenticity and weight to her public advocacy, showing that she leads by example. She is not just talking about change; she is embodying the spirit of fearless determination.

Conquering Ireland

In May 2024, Power set a new Guinness World Record, becoming the fastest woman to traverse Ireland by foot. She covered the gruelling 350-mile (563km) route from Malin Head in the north to Mizen Head in the south. She completed the journey in an astonishing three days, 12 hours, and eight minutes. This incredible feat shattered the previous record, held by her inspiration Mimi Anderson, by more than three hours. The run was a deeply personal challenge, as her husband is from Cork and her children are half-Irish, strengthening their connection to their heritage.

An Ordeal of Endurance

The run across Ireland tested Power to her absolute limits. She slept for just over two hours in total during the entire 84-hour challenge. She battled torrential rainfall and the initial effects of sunstroke. Her support crew, led by her husband John, sustained her with a diet of tortilla wraps filled with jam, bananas, and energy gels. By the final stages, she was running on pure adrenaline, pushing through immense pain and exhaustion. The experience was a testament to her incredible mental fortitude and the strength of her support system.

The Onset of Hallucinations

The extreme sleep deprivation took a significant toll. Towards the end of the run, Power began to experience vivid hallucinations. She described seeing Christmas and nativity scenes in one town and watching trees turn to plastic before her eyes. These surreal moments highlighted the profound physical and mental strain she was under. Pushing through this state of being utterly exhausted required a level of determination that few possess. Her ability to continue moving forward, despite her body and mind rebelling, underscores her exceptional resilience as an endurance athlete.

A Second World Record

Not content with one world record, Power set her sights on another. In January 2025, she took on the challenge of breaking the 48-hour female treadmill world record. The event took place at the National Running Show in Birmingham, with Power running on a treadmill in front of thousands of attendees. She had very little experience with long-distance treadmill running, having only ever run for four hours continuously on one before. The attempt was a step into the unknown, a new test of her physical and psychological endurance in a completely different environment.

Smashing the Treadmill Record

Power ran for 48 hours, with only minimal breaks for naps and necessities. By the end of the two-day ordeal, she had covered an incredible 370.9 kilometres (230.5 miles). She surpassed the former record of 340.4 kilometres with hours to spare, ultimately adding over 30 kilometres to the new mark. The achievement was officially verified through Guinness World Records. The static nature of the challenge allowed supporters to run alongside her on a support treadmill, providing encouragement throughout the monotonous and gruelling run. The funds she raised went directly to support the work of SheRaces.

The Ultimate Goal

When asked about her ultimate ambition, Power's vision is clear. She hopes for a future where her charity, SheRaces, no longer needs to exist. This would signify that true equality has been achieved and that every woman who wants to race can get to the starting point without facing unnecessary barriers. She created the organisation to be a collective voice, belonging to all women who believe in a fairer future for sport. Her goal is not to be a singular figurehead but to empower a community to demand and create lasting change.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Sophie Power’s journey from a reluctant first-time runner to a record-breaking athlete and globally recognised activist is a powerful story of passion and purpose. A single photograph ignited a conversation, but her relentless dedication has turned that conversation into a tangible movement. She has challenged outdated norms, persuaded powerful organisations to change, and inspired countless females to reconsider their own limits. Her work continues to level the starting point, ensuring that a woman's place is wherever she dreams it to be, from the local parkrun to the peak of Mont Blanc.