A Women's History Month Tribute by Oleus
As March wraps up, and people worldwide have been celebrating Women's History Month—a time dedicated to reflecting on the fearless women who shattered glass ceilings, rewritten the rules, and left inspiring legacies. Their remarkable contributions span every field and can still be felt today, from science to politics to arts and, of course, athletics.
Over the last decade, women have made amazing strides in the world of endurance sports, closing the gap with male competitors and proving that endurance knows no gender.
In honour of this special month, we at OLEUS are shining a spotlight on some of our favourite female endurance athletes. Each has conquered unique challenges through hard work, determination, and grace. So, without further ado, here’s to the women who ran, biked, and climbed their way into history, powered by sheer grit and unyielding spirit.
Kathrine Switzer: The Marathon Revolutionary
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“All you need is the courage to believe in yourself and put one foot in front of the other.” — Kathrine Switzer |
In 1967, when women were still banned from the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer registered as "K.V. Switzer" and pinned on bib number 261. Miles into the race, an official physically tried to remove her from the course—creating one of sport's most iconic photographs as Switzer's boyfriend blocked the official, allowing her to continue.
Switzer finished the marathon in 4 hours and 20 minutes, but her impact extends far beyond that finish line. Her defiance catalysed the eventual admission of women to the Boston Marathon in 1972 and influenced the addition of the women's marathon to the Olympic Games in 1984. Only 58 years later, women now make up nearly half of marathon participants worldwide.
Today, Switzer is an influential public speaker, leveraging her pioneering experience as the first woman to officially enter and complete the Boston Marathon to advocate for gender equality in sports and inspire women everywhere to challenge societal barriers.
Joan Benoit Samuelson: The Olympic Pioneer
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“As every runner knows, running is about more than just putting one foot in front of the other; it is about our lifestyle and who we are.” ― Joan Benoit Samuelson |
Joan Benoit Samuelson firmly etched her name in sports history by claiming victory in the first-ever women's marathon at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Just 17 days after undergoing knee surgery, she dominated the race from the start, entering the Olympic stadium alone and finishing more than a minute ahead of her closest competitor.
Samuelson's golden performance silenced critics who claimed women lacked the physiological capacity for marathon running. At 66, she continues to run competitively, demonstrating that endurance knows no age limits. Her commitment to sustainable living and organic farming also reflects many of the values we champion at Oleus.
Jasmin Paris: Motherhood Meets Ultra Endurance
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“I either slow down and stop, or I push harder..,' and I somehow forced myself to go faster.” ― Jasmin Paris |
In 2019, British veterinarian and fell runner Jasmin Paris shattered stereotypes about motherhood and athletic performance when she won the brutal 268-mile Montane Spine Race outright. Paris broke the overall course record by more than 12 hours—all while stopping to pump breast milk for her 14-month-old daughter at aid stations.
Her victory challenged conventional wisdom about female athletic performance, particularly after childbirth, demonstrating that the mental fortitude developed through motherhood can become a competitive advantage in ultra-endurance events, where psychological strength often plays a role in determining the outcome.
Since her historic win, Paris completed the Barkley Marathons "Fun Run" in 2022 and set a new women's record on the Bob Graham Round in 2023. She also wrote the foreword to the book "Voices from the Hills," and a blog where she shares her advocacy work and highlights the achievements of women in fell and mountain running.
Lael Wilcox: Breaking Ultra-Cycling Records
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“I started riding to get to and from work. I don’t know how to drive, and I’ve never owned a car. I used to walk everywhere. The bike opened up my world.” ― Lael Wilcox |
When Lael Wilcox won the 2016 Trans Am Bike Race, she became the first woman to win the 4,300-mile self-supported cycling event and redefined what's possible in ultra-endurance cycling. Pedalling from Oregon to Virginia, Wilcox overcame sleep deprivation, extreme weather, and mechanical issues to outride all competitors, male and female.
Wilcox also organises events encouraging women and girls to discover cycling, emphasising that adventure is available to everyone willing to push their boundaries. Since her breakthrough victory, Wilcox has set the women's record on the Arizona Trail (750 miles), founded the Girls Riding Into Tomorrow (GRIT) mentorship program, and continues to advocate for inclusivity in cycling through her Lael Rides Alaska scholarship program for female cyclists.
Courtney Dauwalter: The Ultra Trail Triple Crown
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“I just needed my legs to do the things I knew they could do. So it was, like, embody a robot. Just keep swinging ‘em like you’ve been trained to do, and they’ll get you toward the finish line.” ― Courtney Dauwalter |
In 2023, a school teacher turned ultra-runner Courtney Dauwalter accomplished what many considered impossible: winning the "Triple Crown" of ultra-trail running—Western States 100, Hardrock 100, and Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)—in a single season. These races, covering 100+ miles through punishing mountain terrain, represent the pinnacle of endurance challenges.
Known for her oversized shorts, constant smile, and ability to hallucinate dragons after 24+ hours of continuous running, she has revolutionised ultra-running with her mental strategies and positive mindset—proving that our perceived limitations can often be overcome.
Since then, Dauwalter has continued to dominate ultrarunning, setting course records at prestigious races like the Hardrock 100 and the Mt. Fuji 100. In 2024, she was named the #2 UltraRunner of the Year for her exceptional performances across multiple challenging courses. Courtney is also celebrated for her innovative approach to race nutrition and training, often sharing her insights on fueling strategies that help her maintain peak performance during gruelling races.
The Oleus Female Athletes Carrying the Torch
This tribute would be incomplete without a big shout-out to our female ambassadors, proudly carrying the torch and inspiring the next generation of women in endurance sports.
Claudia Tremps
🇪🇸 Spanish architect, elite skier, and ultra-runner
Spanish architect Claudia Tremps balances her professional life with elite mountain skiing and ultra-running, achieving podium finishes at prestigious events like Transgrancanaria and the Spartan Trail World Championship.
Theres Leboeuf
🇨🇭 Swiss trail runner, mother of three, and World Championships medalist
Swiss trail runner and mother of three, Theres Leboeuf, has masterfully balanced family life with competitive running. Her remarkable achievements include a bronze medal in the short trail category at the 2023 World Championships in Innsbruck, proving that dedication and passion can lead to success on the global stage.
Sami Sauri
📸 Director, photographer, and adventure polymath
Director, photographer, and founder Sami Sauri infuses her love for cycling and mountain skiing into her visual storytelling, captivating and encouraging a community of fellow adventurers. Her work highlights her athletic endeavours as well as her creative expression, making her a source of inspiration for female athletes everywhere.
Kate (Jekaterina) Gallamova
🏔️ Trail runner and mountain conqueror
Kate Gallamova continuously seeks out the world's most formidable landscapes to test her trail running limits. Her dedication to exploring and conquering extreme terrains inspires those who pursue the thrill of the wild and the beauty of the untamed.
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