The Challenge Awards winner: most inspiring women, Lucy Bartholomew – Runner’s World (UK)

Having run her first 100km distance aged just 15, Lucy Bartholomew has already compiled an entire lifetime’s worth of achievements by the age of 23. She has won Ultra Marathons, trail races and mountain runs on five different continents (only South America and Antarctica to go), setting a fair few female course records along the way, most notably the Ultra Trail Australia and Ultra Trail Cape Town.

Having received a wildcard to the legendary Western States 100 mile race in 2018, she came third at her first attempt despite being considerably younger than anybody else in the top 100. She’s since completed the race a second time, and still has plenty of races and experiences left on her bucket list.

It’s no surprise that along the way she has gathered a large group of followers, and she uses the platform of her achievements to inspire as many people as possible to challenge themselves and get outdoors. To get to the top has required a huge number of sacrifices, but being a role model to others keeps her motivated. She regularly blogs and posts about her passion for adventure, good food, yoga, and, of course, running in the hope that it might help change just one person’s life for the better.

On her success at the Challenge Awards, Lucy said “I was stoked for even being nominated and named amongst these women who are doing something amazing in this world. For me, it makes me so happy to see the celebration and recognition of every individual, group and event that is giving the future a reason to dream. This is only the beginning for this movement and for me; running has given me the ability to travel the world, see amazing locations, meet amazing humans and find a new level of potential and take others along for the ride. I am very grateful for this experience and this title.”

It’s no wonder she’s seen as the Queen of ultra running, and is a hugely well-deserving winner of Most Inspiring Woman.

And the runners up…

2nd Place: Girls Who Dare

In June 2020, four women will attempt to break the world record for a women’s open 4 crossing of the Pacific Ocean. The aim is to complete the 2400 miles of the Great Pacific Race, which is seen as the world’s toughest endurance race, within 50 days. Receiving no external aid throughout, this will push them all to their physical, mental and emotional limits, but they’re hoping that their teamwork and resilience will inspire and empower others to pursue their dreams and push themselves out of their comfort zones to achieve something incredible and reap the rewards that sport can bring.

3rd Place: Lucy Charles

Lucy Charles is one of the highest profile names in triathlons. Having switched from swimming to triathlon aged 19, she quickly started winning age group category events. Since then, she has gone from strength to strength, having won three Ironman races, two Challenge Championships, and coming second in the last three Ironman World Championships. She’s already achieved an incredible amount, and there’s plenty more to come in the future.