Sophie Woods Sets Record for Fastest Alpine Challenge in 29 Days

WHO:

BBC - Ultra-runner Sophie Woods completed the Via Alpina endurance challenge.

BBC - Woods is 42 years old and is from New Zealand.

BBC - Woods was supported by her husband George, friend Zoe, and her dog Nila.

WHAT:

BBC - Sophie Woods ran 2,000km across eight countries in 29 days to break the record for the Via Alpina.

BBC - The previous fastest-known time for the route was 35 days, set by British runner Jake Catterall in 2024.

BBC - Woods faced two heatwaves, storms, a swarm of horseflies, and wildfires during her challenge.

BBC - The Via Alpina route has an elevation equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 12 times.

BBC - Woods stated, "I am ecstatic but knackered," after completing the challenge.

WHERE:

BBC - The Via Alpina route follows the entire length of the Alps, passing through Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France, ending in Monaco.

WHEN:

BBC - Sophie Woods began the marathon on 4 July.

BBC - Woods completed the challenge on a Saturday night.

WHY:

BBC - Woods wanted her life to "look different" after undergoing a gruelling fertility journey, including IVF.

BBC - Woods aimed to complete the challenge in less than 30 days, stating, "I didn't want to be running for more than 30 days - 30 days is enough."

HOW:

BBC - Woods was fuelled by McDonald's, pasta, and energy gels to sustain her for 15 to 18 hours of running a day.

BBC - Woods described her experience as having to "wing it" along the route due to unexpected challenges, stating, "All of our calculations were out. Every day was longer and higher than we had calculated."

(UPDATED August 2, 2026 14:27 UTC)

Ultra-runner Sophie Woods has made history by completing the Via Alpina endurance challenge, running 2,000 kilometers across eight countries in just 29 days, shattering the previous record of 35 days set by British runner Jake Catterall in 2024. The 42-year-old from New Zealand faced numerous challenges, including heatwaves, storms, and wildfires, all while being supported by her husband George, friend Zoe, and her dog Nila. After crossing the finish line, Woods expressed her mixed emotions, saying, "I am ecstatic but knackered," as she reflected on her journey that began on July 4.