Sophie Power: The Trailblazing Runner Changing the Game for Women in Sport

Sophie Power never set out to become a trailblazer for women in sport. In fact, she hadn’t even laced up her trainers when she signed up for her first ultramarathon. What began as a fresh challenge after losing her banking job in 2018 soon transformed into a passion that would drive significant change for women in athletics.

That year, Power's journey took a pivotal turn when a photograph of her breastfeeding her three-month-old son during a 106-mile race went viral. The image, captured during the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) in France, shed light on a glaring issue facing women in sports — the lack of pregnancy deferral policies for athletes. What followed was a movement that would bring about lasting change for mothers and women athletes worldwide.

A New Challenge Sparks a Life-Changing Journey

At just 26, Power, newly unemployed and seeking something to channel her energy into, decided to try her hand at ultramarathons. Though she had never been a runner, a friend’s recommendation convinced her to give it a go. A former member of an air squadron at university, Power was confident in her stamina, so she took the plunge.

“I went for my first run the next day and realised pretty quickly that I loved ultra-running,” said Power, now 42 and based in Guildford, Surrey. “I love being outside and meeting incredible people you wouldn’t otherwise cross paths with. Pushing my body to the limits was something I really embraced.”

Her passion for ultra-running grew, and soon Power found herself traveling the world to compete in stage races. However, after giving birth to her second child, Cormac, Power faced a dilemma: Should she give up her spot at the prestigious UTMB, just as she had done after the birth of her first child three years earlier? Back then, like most races, UTMB didn’t offer a pregnancy deferral policy, and Power hadn’t been able to race.

Determined not to give up a second time, Power entered the 106-mile race while still postpartum. Despite the immense physical challenge, she completed the race, walking almost the entire distance, and finished in 43.5 hours with her son, Donnacha, by her side.

It was a moment of immense pride for Power, but it was a photograph from that day — one of her breastfeeding her son during a race break — that would change her life and the future of women in sport.

The Image That Sparked a Movement

Captured by French photographer Alexis Berg, the image of Power breastfeeding during the race quickly went viral. Though it seemed like a small moment at the time, it became a symbol of the challenges mothers face in sports and the systemic barriers that prevent them from competing.

Berg recalls: “I knew it was unusual, but at that moment, I didn’t realize how much impact that photo would have. I just took the shot, and everything else that happened is because of Sophie.”

Power, reflecting on that photo, admitted that it changed the course of her life. “I should have been given the opportunity to race when I was fit and healthy, not three months postpartum, breastfeeding my baby while tackling a 106-mile mountain course,” she said. “It was crazy.”

Determined to ensure no other mother had to face the same struggles, Power founded the charity SheRaces, with the mission of breaking down barriers for women in sport and ensuring that returning mothers were supported.

Following the viral moment, many race directors contacted Power to express their support and embarrassment that they had not previously considered pregnancy deferrals. She engaged with over 2,000 women to gather insights into the challenges they faced in entering races alongside men.

Redefining Sport for Women

Power’s research revealed a stark reality: Girls and women were dropping out of sports at high rates, and a huge dream deficit existed between boys and girls in the world of athletics. A key factor, according to Power, was the language used to promote sports — language that often alienated women.

“Sports are marketed as the ‘hardest, toughest, baddest’ challenges, which can be intimidating for women. We need to rethink how we present sports to girls and women, focusing on opportunities that cater to their interests and needs,” she explained.

To address these issues, Power developed nine principles that event organisers could adopt to make their races more inclusive for women. These included using more inclusive language, providing period products, changing facilities, and designing race T-shirts specifically for women, among other suggestions.

Real Change in Major Races

Power’s efforts have already led to significant changes in some of the world’s biggest events. Since 2023, UTMB has introduced a policy offering pregnant participants, those with a pregnant partner, or those involved in adoption or surrogacy a full refund and priority re-entry for up to five years. Other major marathons, including New York, Boston, and London, have also implemented pregnancy deferral policies.

However, Power acknowledges there’s still work to be done. While the London Marathon now allows women to defer for up to three years, mothers are still required to pay their entrance fee a second time when using the deferral option. Power’s organisation, SheRaces, is pushing for a more comprehensive policy, including a two-year deferral period, to ensure women have enough time to fully recover after childbirth.

Despite facing challenges with some race organisers, Power is optimistic about the progress that’s being made. “We’re winning battles and driving change,” she said.

A World Record and a New Mission

As her advocacy work gains momentum, Power has continued to push her own physical limits. In 2024, she set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest woman to run the length of Ireland, completing the 340-mile route in just three days, 12 hours, and eight minutes.

Her next challenge? Hosting women-only ultra races in the Peak District in August, while continuing to push for fairness and inclusivity in the world of sport.

Ultimately, Power’s mission is simple: To make sure that every woman has the opportunity to line up at the starting line of any race without barriers. “My ultimate goal for SheRaces is that we don’t exist because it’s not needed anymore,” she said. “When every woman can get on the start line, then we’ve succeeded.”


By WafricNews World Desk | April 29, 2025