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Ultra Women

Stories of Unstoppable Female Power

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Ultra Women

Written by: Emma Wilkinson, Lily Canter
Narrated by: Maddie Drury
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Buy Now for ₹667.71

Buy Now for ₹667.71

+++ WINNER CHARLES TYRWHITT SPORTS BOOK AWARD 2026 +++ +++ SHORTLISTED WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2025 +++ +++ SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR IN THE TIMES AND THE GUARDIAN +++ 'A masterful work that will challenge your views on the physical capabilities of all women' – Sue Anstiss, author What happens when women run beyond the marathon—and refuse to stop? Ultra Women is a gripping, behind-the-scenes journey into the high-stakes world of female endurance, where athletes race across deserts, over mountains, and through the night for 50, 100, even 200 miles at a time. Blending intimate profiles with cutting-edge science, it reveals how women runners, swimmers and cyclists are smashing records, shattering stereotypes, and redefining what "strong" looks like at every age and stage of life. Meet the mothers balancing midnight feeds with dawn training runs, the champions who learned to turn pain into data, and the late starters who discovered their prime years—post-40, post-menopause—on the trail. Along the way, you'll learn how mindset, fueling, hormones, and smart recovery result in extraordinary performance. Whether you're a curious newcomer, a seasoned marathoner eyeing your first 50K, or a reader who loves true stories of grit, Ultra Women will leave you inspired—and equipped—to go further than you ever thought possible. Perfect for fans of Born to Run, Good for a Girl, and Endure —and for anyone who believes the horizon is just a starting line. Take the long way. Find your edge. Join the Ultra Women. Reviews Why do women sometimes manage to beat men in ultramarathon races? Why does the gender performance gap begin to shrink with longer distances? Spoiler alert: we don't know for sure. But Ultra Women is as close as we're getting for now: a meticulous and occasionally startling study of how modern sport is still shaped by a male perspective, from media coverage to bra design to scientific research. Most of all, though, it's a celebration of female bodies, female pioneers and female endurance. – Jonathan Liew, Guardian Sports Book of the Year This absorbing book, shortlisted for the 2025 William Hill sports book of the year, combines history, reportage, science and polemic. Most enjoyable of all are the mini-biographies of endurance athletes, such as the British fell-running champion Jasmin Paris, who can "push on and endure" like few others. – Jason Cowley. Sports Books of the Year, The Times 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. – Helen Mort, author, A Line Above the Sky 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. Lisa Jackson, author, Your Pace or Mine? A fascinating look at the stories and science of female endurance…celebratory and inspirational. I'm signing up for my next ultra right now! – Jackie Kabler Buy the book and start reading©2026 Canbury Press (P)2026 Canbury Press Running & Jogging Sports Water Sports
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Critic Reviews

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. 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. Michelle Mortimer reviews Ultra Women for us below: 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. (Michelle Mortimer)
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