Louise Burcher, a 56-year-old mother of two, has become the first woman ever to complete an ultramarathon topless. She has competed in 18 long-distance races, all without a top, to raise awareness of lobular breast cancer, which she was diagnosed with four years ago.
Diagnosis and Double Mastectomy
In April 2022, Louise found a lump in her breast during a routine check in the shower. Despite a clear mammogram only three weeks prior, an ultrasound confirmed a grade two diagnosis. She underwent a single mastectomy in June 2022, where surgeons discovered a 5cm tumour close to her chest wall. A second single mastectomy to remove her right breast tissue followed in August 2022, along with five rounds of intensive radiotherapy. 'I opted to have the second breast off rather than just one breast because it looked odd to me,' she said.
Running Through Treatment
Louise, an avid runner, had already signed up for the virtual London Marathon in October 2022 before her diagnosis. She continued training through both mastectomies, describing running as a 'welcome distraction.' She said, 'It was the only way I could trick my mind into knowing I was physically OK.' The idea to run topless came from realizing how little is known about lobular breast cancer, the second most common type. 'I wanted to bring lobular out in the open,' she said.
Guinness World Record and Impact
On April 21, 2024, Louise became the first woman to run the official London Marathon topless, earning a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon with a double mastectomy, finishing in five hours, 36 minutes. She raised £3,500 for Breast Cancer Now. 'People were crying, women were shouting my name, breast cancer surgeons were coming up to me – it was just unbelievable,' she said.
Local Hero and Trolls
Known as 'The Topless Runner,' Louise often jogs around her hometown of Braunton, Devon, without a top, earning 'local hero' status. Despite facing cruel comments from trolls, she remains undeterred. 'I've never felt more feminine,' she said. 'My scars show the battle that I survived.' She added, 'It's normal where I am now. It feels weird when I wear a top to run!'
Ultramarathon Achievement
Louise has now completed five marathons, seven half marathons, two 10-milers, three 10ks, and one ultramarathon. Reflecting on the ultra, she said, 'Towards the end it got really hard, but I didn't feel like I'd hit a wall. It was cathartic.' She receives messages from women daily, saying, 'They give me goosebumps.'
