Two journalists tell the uplifting story of determined women thwarting sexism and setting new records in ultra-endurance running, swimming and cycling.
''A masterful work that will challenge your views on the physical capabilities of all women'' – Sue Anstiss, author
''This is the book we’ve been waiting for'' – Helen Mort, author
When it comes to the toughest races in the world that push competitors to their absolute limits, a trend has captured public attention: female athletes have been beating the strongest male contenders, in events traditionally designed for men.
In Ultra Women, two endurance athletes delve into the surprising science of sporting performance to explore the physiological and psychological differences between the sexes. They ask: could fat stores and muscle type (and capacity for not sleeping) really give women an edge over men in ultra long distances? And what roles are played by pace, preparation, and motherhood?
Speaking to elite athletes, historians and scientists, the book unearths the largely unknown past of female endurance, from hunter-gathering to the early 20th Century discipline of pedestrianism. We meet poverty-stricken mother Stamata Revithi, who snuck into the 1896 Athens Olympics marathon, 1980s swimming pioneer Lynne Cox – who crossed the world’s coldest oceans in just a swimsuit – and Jasmin Paris, a British vet who ran almost non-stop to win a 268-mile mountain race, while breastfeeding.
Brimming with inspiring stories, Ultra Women blazes the trail laid by Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Upbeat and fast-paced, it sets out a blueprint for increasing female participation in sport.
Reviews
For a long time, I’ve wanted to understand why women are having such success in ultra distances and this book did a superb job of explaining it all. It was a joy to read from start to finish, beautifully written and incredibly engaging. A masterful work that will challenge your views on the physical capabilities of all women. The must-read sports book of 2025. – Sue Anstiss, author of Game On
Phenomenal. The first time these iconic stories have been brought together in one book, really helping us to understand the history of women’s endurance sport and what it means about the strength of women and our ability to do incredible things despite the barriers that have been put in our way – Sophie Power, champion ultrarunner
Ultra Women is an important and timely re-examination of the role and performance of women in endurance sport, through history, through science and through some incredible and inspiring stories. I was gripped, amazed – and most importantly – enlightened. – Adharanand Finn, author of Running with the Kenyans
This is the book we’ve been waiting for. A timely acknowledgement of the challenges faced by women in the world of ultra events and a celebration of their trailblazing, record-breaking successes. It will change your perspective on what endurance means. – Helen Mort, runner and author of A Line Above the Sky
A fascinating exploration of female ultra-distance sporting achievement – and a fitting tribute to those pioneers who blazed a trail for us all to follow. Jasmin Paris, champion ultrarunner
A triumph! A page-turning tribute to female ultra-runners everywhere. Move over Born to Run – this insight into the world of the world''s toughest races and the incredible women who run them is spine-tingling stuff. Lisa Jackson, author of Your Pace or Mine?
A fascinating look at the stories and science of female endurance….celebratory and inspirational. I’m signing up for my next ultra right now! – Jackie Kabler, author and book club founder
A nuanced look at a complex topic, showing that there is nothing that can predict what an individual is capable of in ultras. Our potential is not defined by our sex – as many ultra women have shown in recent years. – John Kelly, multiple Barkley Marathons finisher
A captivating insight into a fascinating subject which celebrates the exceptional power of female endurance. – Damian Hall, Spine Race winner, ultra coach and author of We Can''t Run Away From This
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