Woman runs 226 miles to set new world record

Sophie Power completed more than 226 miles (365km) in 48 hours to set the new record, which is subject to official confirmation

An ultrarunner has set a new world record for the longest distance covered by a woman in two days on a treadmill.

Sophie Power made the achievement - which is subject to official confirmation by Guinness World Records - at the National Running Show in Birmingham, beat the previous record of 211.49 miles (340 km).

She ran more than 226 miles (365km) in 48 hours, saying she is "thrilled" to have achieved the record and done it for a cause close to her heart - SheRaces, the charity she set up to champion female runners.

"It's been an incredible challenge and I'm very thankful it's over," she said.

Power said she had made it her mission to break down barriers facing women in sport - including greater consideration of women's needs in race planning.

She rose to prominence in 2018 when an image of her taken during the 2018 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc captured her breastfeeding her son, during a 103-mile race, one of the world's toughest ultra-marathons, while a male competitor napped beside her.

This inspire her to set up the charity, which aims for better equity and inclusion for women in trail running and ultrarunning.

"SheRaces is about changing the narrative for women in endurance sports - breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and empowering women to achieve their full potential," Power said.

"This record is proof that when given the platform, we can achieve the extraordinary."

She added that running on a treadmill – as she did for this record – was harder than running outdoors, as the unchanging environment makes it mentally exhausting.

"You don't have the stimulation of scenery or fresh air to keep you going," she said.

"It was tough not being able to nap or properly eat while trying to keep moving, and the monotony tested my resilience, but ultimately we can do hard things and that's what I set out to prove."

She said doing it for SheRaces and ensuring her daughter does not experience the barriers she faced kept her pushing on.