British ultra-runner Sophie Power became a household name when a photograph of her breastfeeding her 3-month-old baby during the 106-mile Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) went viral around the world.

​

Sophie, who started running in 2009, finished the UTMB in just under 44 hours, and has also run several of the world’s most famous ultra-races including the Marathon des Sables across the Sahara, the 153-mile, non-stop Spartathlon in Greece and the 268-mile Spine Fusion. 

​

Sophie was famously photographed racing the UTMB, a 106 mile mountain race whilst breastfeeding her3 month old baby. She wanted to defer her place until she was fully fit, but whilst the organisation will defer places for injury, for them pregnancy is seen as a choice. Completing the UTMB was a dream for her, and having already lost a hard won place whilst pregnant with her first son she chose to race. Many women lose out on that opportunity.

​

Several race directors contacted her after her story went viral saying they were embarrassed they had never thought about pregnancy - or even that women have different experiences of races to men. They wanted to know how they could improve their race and value female athletes equally to male.

Many more women have contacted her sharing their experiences and asking for support in making race policies equitable. 

​

She went on to found She Races to ensure women have the same opportunities as men. Where races are designed through a female lens as well as a man’s. Where we are encouraged to participate, that our differences are taken into account and our achievements are held in equal regard.

​

She has since had her third baby and shared her active pregnancy and recovery through social media @ultra_sophie and a documentary sponsored by Hoka.  Sophie is passionate about ensuring all women have the opportunity to be active and is a Trustee of Women in Sport.