“I Underestimated It”: Woman Shares Challenges Of Running 366 Marathons In One Year

Seven hundred supporters ran together with Belgian ultramarathoner Hilde Dosogne as she completed her 366th marathon in 2024. The 55-year-old grabbed a world record since no other female athlete has ever run more marathons in the space of one year.

The woman accomplished at least 15,444 kilometers by running in a single year and changed over 24 pairs of running shoes.

“My advice to people who also want to try it? Don’t do it! I underestimated beforehand how tough it was going to be, both physically and mentally,” Dosogne shared.

Besides this astonishing running achievement, the 55-year-old bioengineer and mother of five also raised $90,000 in funds for the charity Big Against Breast Cancer.

Accomplishing 366 marathons was much more than just a personal challenge; it was an effort to bring attention to breast cancer research

55-year-old woman running a marathon, wearing a black athletic outfit, setting a world record.

Image credits: marathonwoman366

55-year-old woman smiling while taking a selfie, wearing sporty attire after setting a record for marathons in a year.

Image credits: marathonwoman366

Asked about how this 366 marathon challenge started, Dosogne shared in the interview with Bored Panda that the idea came from her desire to combine her passion for running with a meaningful cause. 

“Supporting BIG against breast cancer gave me a purpose beyond personal achievement. Setting the goal of 366 marathons in a year was a way to challenge myself while inspiring others to push their limits,” the woman explained.

“It’s been a journey filled with ups and downs, but knowing it’s for a cause that matters so much kept me motivated every day,” she added.

Dosogne began working on her ambitious goal on January 1, 2024, aiming to break the current Guinness World Record held by Australia’s Erchana Murray-Bartlett with 150 marathons.

Each day, the Belgian ultramarathoner would complete about 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles) in distance, keeping a pace of about 10 kilometers an hour, documenting each marathon using GPS data, photos, videos, and witness reports to have her achievement officially acknowledged.

55YO woman running marathon, setting world record for 366 marathons in a year, wearing race bib and pink scarf.

Image credits: marathonwoman366

The woman mentioned that she didn’t need any extra preparation since she had previously completed the 153-mile Spartathlon in Greece and many other challenges, and yet, she wasn’t ready for what was coming.

“I must say, I really — I underestimated it,” she said in the interview with Scott Detrow, sharing her daily routine.

The 55-year-old had to get up at 6:15 in the morning, then went to work or worked from home. Then, she would take a nap during her lunch break, and at around 2 p.m., she would start to run until 6 p.m. 

After that, she would always drink a recovery shake, take a bath, eat dinner, and go to sleep early. The next day, everything would be repeated.

“The toughest part was actually the mental part of being at the start line every day again,” Dosogne said. 

55-year-old woman sets world record by running 366 marathons in a year, wearing a race bib and gear.

Image credits: marathonwoman366

55-year-old woman running marathon with group at sunset, showcasing a world record achievement.

Image credits: marathonwoman366

Her encouraging family was the greatest source of strength

55YO woman sets world record running a marathon, jogging with a group on a bridge.

Image credits: marathonwoman366

Dosogne’s husband is a marathon runner, and their kids are into sports, too, so the woman received lots of support. 

The 55-year-old woman shared with Bored Panda that one of the toughest moments was when she dislocated her finger after 27 km, but still managed to restart the marathon in the evening after a hospital visit. 

“That day, I ran 70 km in total. Bad weather, injuries, diseases (such as coronavirus and the flu), and the mental challenge of starting fresh each day have challenged me severely,” the woman recalled. 

“My family, especially my husband Bruno, has been my rock. They’ve supported me wholeheartedly from the start, cheering me on and helping me through the tough days,” she added, noting that their encouragement and belief in her have been her greatest source of strength.

Dosogne isn’t just a marathon runner, she’s also an inspiration for countless people

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Etixx Sports Nutrition (@etixxsports)

The Belgian ultramarathoner received a nomination for the prestigious ‘Belgian of the Year’ title which reflects her extraordinary achievements and the positive impact she has made on others.

“Hilde’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of perseverance and the unbreakable human spirit,” the announcement on the Christeyns website read. 

“She has faced challenges that might have stopped others in their tracks, yet she continues to lace up her trainers and hit the road with an infectious smile,” it continued. 

People on the internet were overwhelmed with Hilde’s achievement

Comment discussing the challenge of running marathons.

Comment on record-running woman: 'My joints ache just reading this.

Comment humorously comparing driving distance to marathon running achievement.

Comment about marathon running: 'Toughest part of any race is the first step!

Facebook comment saying 'Congrats and respect' celebrating world record marathon achievement.

Comment praising 55YO woman's mental toughness for running 366 marathons, achieving a world record.

Comment by Sean Potter praising a 55-year-old woman's world record in running 366 marathons in a year.

Sarah Holdwick-Pelkey calls a record-setting marathon runner a legend in a comment.

Comment expressing amazement about a 55-year-old woman setting a marathon record.

Text expressing amazement at a 55-year-old woman's record of running 366 marathons in a year.

Comment praising woman who set world record for running 366 marathons in a year, calling her powerful.

Comment praising woman for setting world record of running 366 marathons in a year.

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!