Ruth Croft, a professional runner from Stillwater, New Zealand, population 86, has made history by winning the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), the world's most prestigious ultramarathon. The 174km race, which passes through France, Italy, and Switzerland, saw Croft become the first woman to win the UTMB World Series Triple Crown, which includes the shorter OCC and CCC races.
Croft's victory was hard-fought, as she faced American Courtney Dauwalter, who had not lost a 100-mile race in eight years. The two ran together for the first 30km before Dauwalter built an 11-minute lead. However, Croft surged around the 100km mark as the sun rose, eventually winning by 32 minutes.
Growing up on the West Coast of New Zealand, Croft learned a strong work ethic from her father, who ran a transport company. She worked for him during school holidays, often doing 14-hour days. This background has kept her humble, as she says, 'You never toot your own horn. It's just running, it's not like I'm curing cancer.'
Croft started running in primary school and became a national champion in cross country, mountain running, and steeplechase. After a running scholarship at the University of Portland, she struggled with injuries and an eating disorder, but has since found balance by viewing her life in seasons: summer for training and racing, winter for rest.
Her parents were at the finish line, and Croft cherishes the emotional reactions from her family and the tight-knit West Coast community. 'My dad was crying at the finish. All the people back home are just fizzing off it,' she said.
