What do you think?
Rate this book
Ultra Women: The Trailblazers Defying Sexism in Sport
'A masterful work that will challenge your views on the physical capabilities of all women' – Sue Anstiss, author
'This is the book we’ve been waiting for' – Helen Mort, author
When it comes to the toughest races in the world that push competitors to their absolute limits, a trend has captured public female athletes have been beating the strongest male contenders, in events traditionally designed for men.
In Ultra Women, two endurance athletes delve into the surprising science of sporting performance to explore the physiological and psychological differences between the sexes. They could fat stores and muscle type (and capacity for not sleeping) really give women an edge over men in ultra long distances? And what roles are played by pace, preparation, and motherhood?
Speaking to elite athletes, historians and scientists, the book unearths the largely unknown past of female endurance, from hunter-gathering to the early 20th Century discipline of pedestrianism. We meet poverty-stricken mother Stamata Revithi, who snuck into the 1896 Athens Olympics marathon, 1980s swimming pioneer Lynne Cox – who crossed the world’s coldest oceans in just a swimsuit – and Jasmin Paris, a British vet who ran almost non-stop to win a 268-mile mountain race, while breastfeeding.
Brimming with inspiring stories, Ultra Women blazes the trail laid by Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Upbeat and fast-paced, it sets out a blueprint for increasing female participation in sport.
Reviews
For a long time, I’ve wanted to understand why women are having such success in ultra distances and this book did a superb job of explaining it all. It was a joy to read from start to finish, beautifully written and incredibly engaging. A masterful work that will challenge your views on the physical capabilities of all women. The must-read sports book of 2025. – Sue Anstiss, author of Game On
Phenomenal. The first time these iconic stories have been brought together in one book, really helping us to understand the history of women’s endurance sport and what it means about the strength of women and our ability to do incredible things despite the barriers that have been put in our way – Sophie Power, champion ultrarunner
Ultra Women is an important and timely re-examination of the role and performance of women in endurance sport, through history, through science and through some incredible and inspiring stories. I was gripped, amazed – and most importantly – enlightened. – Adharanand Finn, author of Running with the Kenyans
This is the book we’ve been waiting for. A timely acknowledgement of the challenges faced by women in the world of ultra events and a celebration of their trailblazing, record-breaking successes. It will change your perspective on what endurance means. – Helen Mort, runner and author of A Line Above the Sky
A fascinating exploration of female ultra-distance sporting achievement – and a fitting tribute to those pioneers who blazed a trail for us all to follow. Jasmin Paris, champion ultrarunner
A triumph! A page-turning tribute to female ultra-runners everywhere. Move over Born to Run – this insight into the world of the world's toughest races and the incredible women who run them is spine-tingling stuff.
'This is the book we’ve been waiting for' – Helen Mort, author
When it comes to the toughest races in the world that push competitors to their absolute limits, a trend has captured public female athletes have been beating the strongest male contenders, in events traditionally designed for men.
In Ultra Women, two endurance athletes delve into the surprising science of sporting performance to explore the physiological and psychological differences between the sexes. They could fat stores and muscle type (and capacity for not sleeping) really give women an edge over men in ultra long distances? And what roles are played by pace, preparation, and motherhood?
Speaking to elite athletes, historians and scientists, the book unearths the largely unknown past of female endurance, from hunter-gathering to the early 20th Century discipline of pedestrianism. We meet poverty-stricken mother Stamata Revithi, who snuck into the 1896 Athens Olympics marathon, 1980s swimming pioneer Lynne Cox – who crossed the world’s coldest oceans in just a swimsuit – and Jasmin Paris, a British vet who ran almost non-stop to win a 268-mile mountain race, while breastfeeding.
Brimming with inspiring stories, Ultra Women blazes the trail laid by Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Upbeat and fast-paced, it sets out a blueprint for increasing female participation in sport.
Reviews
For a long time, I’ve wanted to understand why women are having such success in ultra distances and this book did a superb job of explaining it all. It was a joy to read from start to finish, beautifully written and incredibly engaging. A masterful work that will challenge your views on the physical capabilities of all women. The must-read sports book of 2025. – Sue Anstiss, author of Game On
Phenomenal. The first time these iconic stories have been brought together in one book, really helping us to understand the history of women’s endurance sport and what it means about the strength of women and our ability to do incredible things despite the barriers that have been put in our way – Sophie Power, champion ultrarunner
Ultra Women is an important and timely re-examination of the role and performance of women in endurance sport, through history, through science and through some incredible and inspiring stories. I was gripped, amazed – and most importantly – enlightened. – Adharanand Finn, author of Running with the Kenyans
This is the book we’ve been waiting for. A timely acknowledgement of the challenges faced by women in the world of ultra events and a celebration of their trailblazing, record-breaking successes. It will change your perspective on what endurance means. – Helen Mort, runner and author of A Line Above the Sky
A fascinating exploration of female ultra-distance sporting achievement – and a fitting tribute to those pioneers who blazed a trail for us all to follow. Jasmin Paris, champion ultrarunner
A triumph! A page-turning tribute to female ultra-runners everywhere. Move over Born to Run – this insight into the world of the world's toughest races and the incredible women who run them is spine-tingling stuff.
- GenresNonfictionSports
256 pages, Paperback
Published April 24, 2025
18 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 5, 2025
“Women Don’t Buy Running Books”: why Ultra Women needed to be written
When journalists and ultrarunners Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson began pitching their book Ultra Women, they encountered a disheartening obstacle. A publisher told them flatly: “Women don’t buy running books, and men won’t read this.” That single statement reveals a deeply rooted bias in both the publishing and sports industries, one that undervalues women as athletes and consumers.
Despite this initial setback, Lily and Emma found a publisher who believed in their vision. Since its release, Ultra Women has resonated with both female and male readers. The book has received overwhelming feedback, with many male readers expressing surprise and appreciation for the perspective it offers. It turns out that readers of all genders are hungry for diverse and authentic stories.
Running books often focus on performance, records, or the elite athlete mindset, typically from a male point of view. Ultra Women breaks that mould by blending storytelling, science, and social commentary. It showcases the stories of ordinary and extraordinary women who have quietly redefined what endurance means. Publishing more books like this ensures that different experiences are represented and that more readers feel seen and inspired.
The blurb:
“A trend has captured public attention: female athletes have been beating the strongest male contenders, in the toughest races in the world, races designed for men.
“In Ultra Women, two endurance athletes delve into the surprising science of sporting performance to explore the physiological and psychological differences between the sexes. They ask: could fat stores and muscle type (and capacity for not sleeping) really give women an edge over men in ultra long distances? And what roles are played by pace, preparation, and motherhood?
“Speaking to elite athletes, historians and scientists, the book unearths the largely unknown past of female endurance, from hunter- gathering to the early 20th Century discipline of pedestrianism. We meet poverty-stricken mother Stamata Revithi, who snuck into the 1896 Athens Olympics marathon, 1980s swimming pioneer Lynne Cox – who crossed the world’s coldest oceans in just a swimsuit – and Jasmin Paris, a British vet who ran almost non-stop to win a 268-mile mountain race, while breastfeeding.
“Brimming with inspiring stories, Ultra Women blazes the trail laid by Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Upbeat and fast-paced, it sets out a blueprint for increasing female participation in sport.”
My thoughts: I was so excited to read this book, I pre-ordered it as soon as I could, because there just isn’t enough written about female runners. We hear about a few big names nowadays, every now and again, but there are lots of untold, surprising stories in here.
Ultra Women is a powerful and inspiring collection of stories that shine a light on the world of female ultrarunners—those who defy distance, expectation, and stereotype. Written by journalists and ultrarunners Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, this book dives deep into the lives of women pushing beyond physical and societal limits. Through a blend of interviews, personal narratives, and expert insights, Ultra Women explores themes of endurance, identity, resilience, and representation in a sport still dominated by male voices, where sometimes female participation isn’t even reported on. From first-time ultra finishers to record-breaking trailblazers, this is a celebration of courage, community, and the joy of endurance sports.
Ultra Women is more than a running book: it’s a collective portrait of perseverance, strength, and untold history. The authors go far beyond the race results, using personal stories to challenge the long-held perception that endurance sport is a man’s game. The book highlights female runners who’ve won races outright, broken world records, or simply defied social expectations by showing up. You’ll recognise big names in there, such as Jasmine Paris and Sophie Power, but there are many more whose incredible stories have never made mainstream media.
It also digs into the science behind why women may be uniquely suited to endurance events, while confronting the systemic barriers they still face—like lack of representation, male-centric race design, and outdated assumptions about women’s physical limitations.
As the authors put it in a recent interview with me:
“Women are made to endure … pregnancy itself is the biggest endurance feat you can go through.”
And yet, as Emma shared in that same podcast interview:
“There was this pervasive notion that women were weaker, they wouldn’t be able to manage [ultras], it would damage their health. And yet women were just cracking on and doing these things.”
One of the most refreshing things about Ultra Women is how intentionally inclusive and diverse it is. The authors didn’t just stick to well-known names—they unearthed stories from all over the world and across various sports. From ultra running and adventure racing to long-distance cycling and open water swimming, the book highlights women doing extraordinary things in often invisible ways.
I particularly loved how the science and social commentary were framed by real stories. Each chapter centres on a different woman to explore a specific theme—pacing, resilience, fat metabolism, or psychology. This storytelling-first approach makes the science engaging and digestible.
Who is the book for?
Ultra Women is for everyone who loves stories of courage, grit, and change-makers. It’s especially powerful for:
- Female runners looking for authentic representation and relatable role models.
- Aspiring ultrarunners who wonder if they belong in the world of long-distance events.
- Readers of sports, history, or gender equity, interested in stories that challenge the norm.
- Coaches, event directors, and brands aiming to create more inclusive spaces in sport. (There’s a whole chapter at the end entitled Our Manifesto for Change)
- Men, too (despite what the publisher said!) — many have found the book eye-opening. As Lily noted when we chatted to her, “They don’t feel under attack… they’re learning a huge amount.”
Whether you’re curious about endurance sport, challenging outdated assumptions, or just want to read about women doing extraordinary things, this book is for you.
Ultra Women is bold, beautifully written, and long overdue. It rewrites the narrative around endurance sport with empathy, strength, and celebration. This isn’t just a book about running far—it’s about widening the path for those who’ve too often been left out of the story.
You can listen to my interview with the authors Lily and Emma both on the UKRunChat podcast and the Canicross Conversations podcast. Both available wherever you download your podcasts.
When journalists and ultrarunners Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson began pitching their book Ultra Women, they encountered a disheartening obstacle. A publisher told them flatly: “Women don’t buy running books, and men won’t read this.” That single statement reveals a deeply rooted bias in both the publishing and sports industries, one that undervalues women as athletes and consumers.
Despite this initial setback, Lily and Emma found a publisher who believed in their vision. Since its release, Ultra Women has resonated with both female and male readers. The book has received overwhelming feedback, with many male readers expressing surprise and appreciation for the perspective it offers. It turns out that readers of all genders are hungry for diverse and authentic stories.
Running books often focus on performance, records, or the elite athlete mindset, typically from a male point of view. Ultra Women breaks that mould by blending storytelling, science, and social commentary. It showcases the stories of ordinary and extraordinary women who have quietly redefined what endurance means. Publishing more books like this ensures that different experiences are represented and that more readers feel seen and inspired.
The blurb:
“A trend has captured public attention: female athletes have been beating the strongest male contenders, in the toughest races in the world, races designed for men.
“In Ultra Women, two endurance athletes delve into the surprising science of sporting performance to explore the physiological and psychological differences between the sexes. They ask: could fat stores and muscle type (and capacity for not sleeping) really give women an edge over men in ultra long distances? And what roles are played by pace, preparation, and motherhood?
“Speaking to elite athletes, historians and scientists, the book unearths the largely unknown past of female endurance, from hunter- gathering to the early 20th Century discipline of pedestrianism. We meet poverty-stricken mother Stamata Revithi, who snuck into the 1896 Athens Olympics marathon, 1980s swimming pioneer Lynne Cox – who crossed the world’s coldest oceans in just a swimsuit – and Jasmin Paris, a British vet who ran almost non-stop to win a 268-mile mountain race, while breastfeeding.
“Brimming with inspiring stories, Ultra Women blazes the trail laid by Caroline Criado Perez’s Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. Upbeat and fast-paced, it sets out a blueprint for increasing female participation in sport.”
My thoughts: I was so excited to read this book, I pre-ordered it as soon as I could, because there just isn’t enough written about female runners. We hear about a few big names nowadays, every now and again, but there are lots of untold, surprising stories in here.
Ultra Women is a powerful and inspiring collection of stories that shine a light on the world of female ultrarunners—those who defy distance, expectation, and stereotype. Written by journalists and ultrarunners Lily Canter and Emma Wilkinson, this book dives deep into the lives of women pushing beyond physical and societal limits. Through a blend of interviews, personal narratives, and expert insights, Ultra Women explores themes of endurance, identity, resilience, and representation in a sport still dominated by male voices, where sometimes female participation isn’t even reported on. From first-time ultra finishers to record-breaking trailblazers, this is a celebration of courage, community, and the joy of endurance sports.
Ultra Women is more than a running book: it’s a collective portrait of perseverance, strength, and untold history. The authors go far beyond the race results, using personal stories to challenge the long-held perception that endurance sport is a man’s game. The book highlights female runners who’ve won races outright, broken world records, or simply defied social expectations by showing up. You’ll recognise big names in there, such as Jasmine Paris and Sophie Power, but there are many more whose incredible stories have never made mainstream media.
It also digs into the science behind why women may be uniquely suited to endurance events, while confronting the systemic barriers they still face—like lack of representation, male-centric race design, and outdated assumptions about women’s physical limitations.
As the authors put it in a recent interview with me:
“Women are made to endure … pregnancy itself is the biggest endurance feat you can go through.”
And yet, as Emma shared in that same podcast interview:
“There was this pervasive notion that women were weaker, they wouldn’t be able to manage [ultras], it would damage their health. And yet women were just cracking on and doing these things.”
One of the most refreshing things about Ultra Women is how intentionally inclusive and diverse it is. The authors didn’t just stick to well-known names—they unearthed stories from all over the world and across various sports. From ultra running and adventure racing to long-distance cycling and open water swimming, the book highlights women doing extraordinary things in often invisible ways.
I particularly loved how the science and social commentary were framed by real stories. Each chapter centres on a different woman to explore a specific theme—pacing, resilience, fat metabolism, or psychology. This storytelling-first approach makes the science engaging and digestible.
Who is the book for?
Ultra Women is for everyone who loves stories of courage, grit, and change-makers. It’s especially powerful for:
- Female runners looking for authentic representation and relatable role models.
- Aspiring ultrarunners who wonder if they belong in the world of long-distance events.
- Readers of sports, history, or gender equity, interested in stories that challenge the norm.
- Coaches, event directors, and brands aiming to create more inclusive spaces in sport. (There’s a whole chapter at the end entitled Our Manifesto for Change)
- Men, too (despite what the publisher said!) — many have found the book eye-opening. As Lily noted when we chatted to her, “They don’t feel under attack… they’re learning a huge amount.”
Whether you’re curious about endurance sport, challenging outdated assumptions, or just want to read about women doing extraordinary things, this book is for you.
Ultra Women is bold, beautifully written, and long overdue. It rewrites the narrative around endurance sport with empathy, strength, and celebration. This isn’t just a book about running far—it’s about widening the path for those who’ve too often been left out of the story.
You can listen to my interview with the authors Lily and Emma both on the UKRunChat podcast and the Canicross Conversations podcast. Both available wherever you download your podcasts.
September 3, 2025
If it were possible to give six stars to a book then I would.
So often non-fiction sports books are simply a lengthy catalogue of achievements in chronological order. This one covers the achievements, of course, but also the challenges faced by female ultra-athletes in the past and today. These challenges are not simply limited to physical factors like endurance, speed and strength but include discrimination, safety, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
The book starts and finishes with the achievements of Jasmine Paris but covers many more of the top female athletes in swimming, cycling, trail running and other sports.
It is meticulously researched and the information about the differences between men and female physiology and the reasons why in some endurance events women can – and often will - defeat men are explored in depth. There's so much detail here that I really need to read it again.
It’s a fascinating book and one I highly recommend.
So often non-fiction sports books are simply a lengthy catalogue of achievements in chronological order. This one covers the achievements, of course, but also the challenges faced by female ultra-athletes in the past and today. These challenges are not simply limited to physical factors like endurance, speed and strength but include discrimination, safety, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
The book starts and finishes with the achievements of Jasmine Paris but covers many more of the top female athletes in swimming, cycling, trail running and other sports.
It is meticulously researched and the information about the differences between men and female physiology and the reasons why in some endurance events women can – and often will - defeat men are explored in depth. There's so much detail here that I really need to read it again.
It’s a fascinating book and one I highly recommend.
October 27, 2025
One of the most insightful books I've read this year. I picked it up expecting to be inspired, and I was, but there's so much more to it than that. The authors draw on an incredible amount of research to back their ideas - but also skilfully point out what research is lacking and the reasons behind it. Understanding more about gender inequality in sport made me surprisingly angry, and even more in awe of the women who have succeeded in spite of the many obstacles they faced. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in endurance sports (of any gender), you're bound to learn something new and think about sports in a different way.
September 1, 2025
Bought after hearing Lily and Emma speak at Love Trails earlier this summer. Inspiring but much preferred the anecdotal/biographical sections to the more scientific sections. An expansion of much of what they spoke about in their talk - hugely important book that I wanted to LOVE but didn’t quite. Somewhere between 3 or 4 stars.
June 23, 2025
incredible book, very inspiring and a lot of points to think about (kit, insurance, nutrition, routes). women are mega
November 14, 2025
The authors showcase and celebrate women’s endurance and athletic ability well. Each chapter highlights a women’s ultra endurance story with the science background to discuss whether women are better at endurance, before suggesting what women need to be doing to reach their true potential. There is a thoughtful manifesto for changes (that are still needed) at the end.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews