Crossing the Line: My SheUltra Experience in Penllyn

At 6am, the air was crisp and calm, but the buzz of anticipation was electric. I stood at the starting line of the SheUltra Marathon in Penllyn, surrounded by hundreds of women—each with their own story, their own reasons for being there, and one shared goal: to push boundaries.

This isn’t just any race. SheUltra is the largest all-women race in the world, and let me tell you—there’s something incredibly powerful about being part of it. From the moment we set off, the atmosphere was like nothing I’d ever experienced. There was no competition in the air, only camaraderie. Every mile was lined with support, whether from volunteers, fellow runners, or the stunning scenery of Penllyn itself.

We set off from Abersoch just as the first light crept over the horizon, and the views were absolutely spectacular. The sea shimmered, the skies glowed, and the coastline unfolded before us like a promise. The route took us along stretches of the Wales Coast Path, and I found myself discovering hidden corners and new landscapes in Penllyn that I had never explored before. It was a reminder of just how beautiful and diverse this part of Wales is—rugged cliffs, quiet coves, open headlands—each mile more breathtaking than the last.

As the sun rose over the hills, so did the spirits of the runners around me. I was constantly reminded that this was more than a race—it was a celebration of strength, resilience, and connection. The trail challenged us, but so many inspirational women were out there giving it their all, and lifting each other up in the process.

I crossed the finish line in 6 hours and 7 minutes—a time that, for me, represented every hill climbed and every training walk ticked off the list. All those hours hiking in the hills absolutely paid off. My legs remembered the rhythm of long distance, and my heart remembered why I started.

To be a part of this event, to feel the unity and support from so many incredible women, was genuinely life-affirming. If you're looking for something that will test you, lift you, and leave you inspired for weeks—SheUltra is it.

Here’s to strong women, breathtaking landscapes, and races that leave you changed.