The Path She Runs cover art

The Path She Runs

A Personal History of Women’s Ultrarunning

 Preview

Get 30 days of Premium Plus free

£8.99/month after 30-day free trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £12.99

Buy Now for £12.99

About this listen

 The longer the distance run, the more women have an edge over their male competitors. Yet, the longer the distance, the less likely women are to start the race.

In this engrossing personal account, writer and sport scientist Jen Benson looks at the science and hidden history of ultramarathon running, and details her own attempts to finish a 100-mile race.

Jen lays bare the intensity, unexpected humour, and profound personal sacrifices that define the world of ultra-running, and delves into the fascinating science of ultra-endurance performance. Interweaved with this are the untold stories of trailblazing women from the last four decades, including Jasmin Paris, the first female finisher of the Barkley Marathons; Eleanor Robinson, the first woman to complete the 153-mile Spartathlon race; and Courtney Dauwalter, widely regarded as the greatest female ultra-runner of all time.

A testament to the feats of women that challenge the very limits of human capability, this is the remarkable sporting history of extreme performance hitherto untold.©2024 Jen Benson (P)2024 Octopus Publishing Group Extreme Sports Running & Jogging Sports
All stars
Most relevant
I love this book because of its humble authentic nature. It is brilliantly written and told.

It cuts all ego and get to the truth that long running is about self mastery and discipline. That’s it…

… almost except her insights into the running scene, camaraderie and the unique experience of a female runner were super insightful. I say this as a man with all the same doubts but as a father the angles were also really helpful.

Thank you

One of the great running books

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I very muuch enjoyed Jen's account of her running journey towards 100 miles. She's not afraid to put her struggles and mental doubts out there and it makes the story more human. Very well narrated.

Interssting and Relatable

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I really liked the story, being an ultra runner myself. But the delivery is so dry it is really hard to "connect" with the author.

good story but dry delivery

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
The narrative style which easily transports one on missions impossible and extraordinary. Absolutely Brilliant read

Overcoming extraordinary obstacles, physical emotional and psychological.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
I listened to this book in a really dark time in my life, and found the messages of striving and not giving up inspiring

Got me through a dark time

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.