New Zealander Sophie Woods has set a new fastest known time (FKT) for the 2,000km Via Alpina, completing the trek across eight European countries in 28 days, 17 hours, and 59 minutes. Supported by her husband, George Woods, and photographer Zoe Salt, Woods navigated extreme heat, thunderstorms, and insect swarms to finish in Monaco on August 1.
Breaking the Via Alpina Record
Sophie Woods’ journey began on July 4 in Muggia, Italy, and concluded in Monaco nearly a month later. According to The Guardian, her finish time of 28 days, 17 hours, and 59 minutes significantly lowered the previous records. She surpassed the 35-day, 21-hour mark set by British runner Jake Catterall and the previous women’s record of 38 days held by Dutch runner Tessa Caspers.
The route required Woods to traverse Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, and Monaco. To maintain her pace, she often ran for up to 20 hours a day, consuming approximately 7,000 calories daily to sustain her energy levels.
Navigating Alpine Hazards
The expedition included several life-threatening moments. While scaling a peak in Switzerland, Woods and her photographer were caught in a severe thunderstorm. Woods told The Guardian that the lightning activity and the conductivity of the surrounding rocks created a situation where she "genuinely feared for our lives," prompting her to run rapidly to find lower ground.
Environmental challenges persisted throughout the trip. In the Austrian mountains, Woods faced an intense heatwave combined with a swarm of biting horseflies. Unable to outrun the insects, she famously resorted to using fern fronds to swat them away for an hour, a moment she described as a "nightmare."
Personal Transformation Through Endurance
The decision to undertake the Via Alpina followed a difficult period for Woods. After years of IVF treatment that did not result in a pregnancy, she noted in reports that her passion for competitive running had faded. Her husband, George, suggested the record attempt as a way to refocus.
“I had come from a place with the IVF where I was not particularly in love with my body,” Woods told The Guardian. “But my love and respect for my body, and what she can do for me now, is just so much more.” Since completing the run, Woods has experienced an increase in public attention, adding more than 55,000 Instagram followers as she inspires others to challenge their physical limits.
Sophie Woods’ support crew, consisting of her husband and a photographer, was essential to her success. They fed her, cooled her down, and arranged rests and accommodation along the route, according to the Guardian and additional coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long did Sophie Woods to run the Via Alpina?
Woods completed the 2,000km route in 28 days, 17 hours, and 59 minutes, establishing a new record.
What countries does the Via Alpina cross?
The trail spans eight countries: Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, and Monaco.
What motivated Woods to take on this challenge?
Following a difficult experience with IVF and a loss of interest in her sport, Woods used the run to rebuild her relationship with her body and find a new sense of purpose.
How many calories did Woods consume daily during the run?
Woods maintained her performance by consuming approximately 7,000 calories per day.
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