Sophie Woods has broken the record for running the Via Alpina through the Alps, completing the ultramarathon challenge six days faster than the previous mark.
The route took Woods across eight countries, with conditions varying sharply during the attempt. She ran through storms and temperatures reaching up to 37C, while also having to avoid disruption caused by floods and wildfires.
The Via Alpina is an Alpine route spanning multiple national borders, making the challenge not only a test of endurance but also one shaped by changing terrain and weather. Woods’ run was marked by severe conditions along the way, including intense heat and dangerous environmental hazards.
Her achievement is significant because the record was not only beaten but reduced by six days, underlining the scale of the performance. The supplied material does not give the previous record time or Woods’ final completion time.
The latest known position is that Woods has completed the route and is being recognised for setting the new record after overcoming extreme weather and disruption across the eight-country course.
