Wales is famed for its rugged coastline, mountainous National Parks, and national symbols of the Welsh dragon, daffodils, and leeks. We can now add the She Ultra to that list – the first ever 50K ultramarathon entirely run by, and for, women!

The profile of female endurance running has never been higher since four women went inside the former women's only world record in the 2024 London Marathon, with the elite women's race started by the incredible Jasmin Paris – the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, which she says she did for women worldwide.

The day before those astonishing performances in London, the UK's first female-only charity ultra-marathon was hosted by Pen Llyn Ultra at Gwynedd, North Wales. She Ultra saw 458 (96.4%) of the 475 starters complete the 31-mile (50K) course on the Llyn Peninsula in the Eyri National Park on Saturday 20 April 2024. 

Here is a taster video for the 2025 edition...

Organiser Huw Williams – an experienced ultra runner – was inspired to promote the event after being diagnosed with inoperable stage 4 neuroendocrine terminal cancer during the pandemic and subsequently undergoing major heart surgery. He said he wanted to show his appreciation for the care provided by the women around him during his recovery by: "Removing obstacles for you before you take part".

Several features were introduced, some for the first time in any UK race, to make the event fully accessible. These included no cut-off times ('just smiles', as the website says); the opportunity to go incognito so your name doesn't appear in the start list or results; plus an all-female event team, aid station team, and course marshalls.

Mr Williams explained: "Each aid station is run by women only and there are sanitary and hygiene products and places for women to pump breast milk. We've also got She Ultra ambassadors walking and running, and we've also got a woman photographer."

The event was run in aid of women's cancer charities, supporting those living with the disease and those who have lost someone to it, and the JustGiving page has raised more than £20,000.

Amanda Scoots summed up the feelings of many competitors when she posted on Facebook: "A massive thank you to the organisers and volunteers of yesterday's event. Absolutely brilliant event, starting with the support in training with the kit and nutrition webinars, all the way through to the spectacular food choices at the checkpoints. The support throughout the course was brilliant, your marshalls were all fabulous and the route was absolutely stunning. A day I will never forget!"

More than 900 women have already signed up for the next She Ultra on Saturday 12 April 2025 so if you are female and want a piece of this unique event, click here for entry options and more details...

The results of the inaugural She Ultra are available here via the runABC race listing.

Photo courtesy Pen Llyn Ultras on Facebook