A team of female runners has successfully completed the inaugural “She Runs Free” relay, covering nearly 145 miles from London to Birmingham in 26 hours and 7 minutes.
The challenge, which concluded at the National Running Show on Sunday, marks a major milestone in a campaign dedicated to highlighting the safety barriers women face while running solo.
Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise – requiring no gym, no team, and no expensive equipment. For many, it is a vital tool for mental clarity and physical health. However, for many women, safety concerns make the simple act of going for a run complicated, intimidating, or even impossible.
The She Runs Free relay, backed by the running brand Altra Running, was designed to confront these issues head-on. Starting at Little Venice in London, the team navigated the canal routes through the Midlands, finishing at the Birmingham NEC during the second day of the National Running Show.
The 145-mile journey was divided into 17 segments, with each participant tackling legs of five to ten miles. The team battled through the January cold, rain, and high winds, maintaining a continuous pace through the night to reach the finish line.
Beyond the physical achievement, the event marks the official launch of the She Runs Free Team 2026. Built on last year’s success, Altra is continuing the partnership with Boldli, a UK women’s run club, to carry forward the initiative aimed at raising awareness of the barriers women face while running, especially around safety. Each runner involved in the relay brought their own experiences of the struggles faced while running solo, using the platform to advocate for change.
For more information and for the application of the She Runs Free campaign visit: https://www.altrarunning.eu/uk/she-runs-free/
