Ultra-runner Sophie Woods ran 2,000km across eight countries in just 29 days, breaking the record for completing the Via Alpina, one of the world's toughest endurance challenges. The 42-year-old New Zealander began on 4 July in Italy, following a trail network through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and France before finishing in Monaco. The route involves elevation equivalent to climbing Mount Everest 12 times.

Woods and her team battled two heatwaves, storms, horseflies, and wildfires that forced a detour adding five kilometres and 200m of climbing. British runner Jake Catterall previously held the fastest-known time at 35 days in 2024. "I am ecstatic but knackered," Woods said, describing how she ran on one to two and a half hours of sleep near the finish. Fueled by McDonald's, pasta, and energy gels, she ran 15 to 18 hours a day with support from her husband George, friend Zoe, and dog Nila.

Her achievement marks a standout year for women in ultra-running.