New Zealand Ultrarunner Sets New Via Alpina Record Across Eight Countries
New Zealand ultrarunner Sophie Woods has set a new overall record for the Via Alpina after completing the demanding route across eight European countries in just 29 days. Covering approximately 1,240 miles (1,996 kilometers), the 42-year-old broke both the men's and women's fastest recorded times.The Via Alpina stretches across the European Alps, beginning in Trieste, Italy, and passing through Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and France before finishing in Monaco. The route is widely regarded as one of the world's toughest endurance challenges because of its mountainous terrain, steep climbs and constantly changing conditions.Woods started her journey on July 4 and reached Monaco on August 1, finishing six days faster than the previous overall record set in 2024. She said the greatest challenge was maintaining consistent performance over nearly a month, reducing her sleep to less than two and a half hours per night during the final stages in order to stay on record pace.Her record-breaking run also took place during an intense European heatwave and while wildfires affected parts of the region, making the challenge even more demanding. Woods credited her husband and dog for providing food supplies and emotional support throughout the journey, helping her complete one of the most difficult endurance achievements of her career.
