On Saturday 2nd August, Ellen Deighton took part in the inaugural SheRACES Peak District 50k. SheRACES is an organisation founded by ultrarunning legend and world record holder Sophie Power, and aims to encourage more women to take part in races by removing barriers to participation. 

Ellen During the race

This was the first race organised by SheRACES, and was a women-only event offering both 25km and 50km distances. Ellen took on the 50k, which started and ended in Hathersage, taking in Froggatt, Curbar and Baslow edges, Chatsworth Park, the Monsal Trail, and Abney Moor. 

Ellen after the race with her medal!

Over 100 people entered the 50k, and Ellen was pleased to finish in 58th position with a time of 8 hours and 48 minutes. What is particularly notable about this event is that both the 50k and 25k events had a 100% completion rate – this is rare in races generally, but particularly in ultramarathons, and goes to show what can be achieved when participants are supported and empowered to challenge themselves.