Sophie Power’s journey into the world of ultrarunning is nothing short of extraordinary. Unlike many athletes who start young, Power found her passion for running later in life—after leaving behind a career in investment banking. Today, she is a world-record-holding endurance runner, proving that it’s never too late to chase new goals.
Breaking Records and Pushing Boundaries
Power recently set a new benchmark in endurance running by covering over 365 km (226.8 miles) in 48 hours on a treadmill at the National Running Show in Birmingham, England. This feat, pending official recognition from Guinness World Records, makes her the woman to run the longest distance on a treadmill in that timeframe.
This achievement follows another incredible milestone—becoming the fastest woman to run across Ireland on foot. Her ability to push herself beyond limits is driven by a deep passion for endurance sports and a desire to inspire more women to take up challenges in the athletic world.
Why She Takes on These Challenges
For Power, each challenge is deeply personal. She believes in setting goals that push her beyond her comfort zone.
“You need to set something slightly outside your comfort zone because, if I said I was going to do something I knew I could do, you don’t get that achievement at the finish,” she shared in an interview with CNN Sport.
Her journey isn’t just about records—it’s about breaking barriers for women in sports. She wants to make endurance racing more accessible to women and highlight the realities of balancing motherhood and elite sports.
The Real Sacrifices Behind Success
Despite her incredible achievements, Power is cautious about being labeled a role model. She believes that inspiration should come with realism, as people often see success stories without understanding the effort and sacrifices behind them.
As a mother of three, Power has faced numerous challenges in her endurance career. She openly discusses the sacrifices she makes to achieve her goals:
• Prioritizing training over keeping her house spotless
• Skipping makeup and fashion to save time
• Reducing social outings and TV time
• Juggling childcare and multitasking to fit in workouts
By sharing the less glamorous side of her success, Power hopes to encourage others to pursue their passions in a way that fits their reality.
Inspiring Women in Sports
Sophie Power’s journey is about more than records—it’s about making sports more inclusive for women. She is reshaping the conversation around endurance sports, proving that success comes with dedication, sacrifice, and a deep personal connection to one’s goals.
Her story is a reminder that anyone, at any stage of life, can push their limits and achieve greatness.