New Zealand's Sophie Woods lowers Via Alpina outright fastest-known time, beating male runner's 2024 mark

Sophie Woods ran the 2,000km Via Alpina across eight Alpine countries in 29 days, finishing in Monaco on 2 August. The previous fastest-known time — 35 days, set by Britain's Jake Catterall in 2024 — was held by a man. Woods lowered it outright by nearly six days, not merely a women's benchmark. The route gains elevation equivalent to 12 Everest ascents.