This Woman Breaks 13 World Records in 6 Days at Age 42
Mar 23, 2024
In a world that expects women over 40 to pump the brakes, the remarkable Camille Herron at age 42 isn't just defying expectations; she's obliterating them, one record at a time. In a culture that often tells us to slow down as we age, Camille's relentless pursuit of greatness serves as a beacon of inspiration. Her boundless energy and tenacity remind us that age is merely a label, not a limitation. So, let's flip the script, smash those stereotypes, and show the world that women over 40 are just getting started.
The sport of ultra-running is where endurance meets passion and determination. It involves races longer than the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles, typically ranging from 50 kilometers (31 miles) all the way up to several hundred miles. Right now is one name stands out amidst the ultra-running crowd: Camille Herron.
Camille's breakthrough came in 2015 when she shattered the women's world record for the 100-mile distance at the Tunnel Hill 100. Her remarkable feat, clocking in at an astonishing 12 hours, 42 minutes, and 39 seconds, sent shockwaves through the running community and cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with. But this was just the beginning of her meteoric rise.
This month, Camille was one of 10 women who ran in Lululemon’s “Further” event. A 6-day ultramarathon, where these age-defying warrior women pushed their abilities beyond their perceived limits and where Herron set not one, not two, but THIRTEEN new world records! She ran a total of 560.33 Miles running 220 laps on a 2.56-mile closed course located in La Quinta, California at Lake Cahuilla. Among those 13 broken world records were the 500-mile WR as well as the 3,4,5, and 6-day WRs. With a historical moment during Women’s History Month Herron has proven that age, is not, a limitation of greatness. She is also the first female athlete to surpass a Men’s American record. She did all of this while dealing with the hormones of perimenopause.
In a post race interview Camile admitted: "I also started my period on day two, which we were expecting to happen. And so being in perimenopause, things are a little bit more challenging because I’m really affected by my PMS and my menstrual cramps, and how it impacts my digestion and my bladder and all that."
Camille worked with a team of medical staff throughout the six days to help keep her running. All 10 women had been working with scientists during the last year testing methods and looking at their biomechanics to further education on female athlete performance. Sports science and medicine have relatively ignored female-only studies, but in recent years, thanks to the dedication of these hard-working women, more and more research is being done to help female athletes dominate!
Beyond her athletic prowess, Camille is also a beacon of positivity and empowerment within the running community. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with others, offering guidance and support to aspiring runners of all ages from around the world. A symbol of divine hope for premenopausal mature athletes everywhere! She is very open about being in perimenopause and the changes she seen in her body, including weight gain. Instagram post from January 2024 Camille says "My weight has gone up since hitting perimenopause. Would you know it 🤔?"
As Camille Herron continues to push the boundaries of ultra-running, her legacy grows with each race she conquers. With her unmatched talent, unwavering determination, and infectious passion for the sport, she has earned her place among the greats. But perhaps more importantly, she serves as a shining example of what can be achieved with hard work, perseverance, and a relentless belief in oneself. Camille Herron is not just a runner; she is a symbol of possibility, a reminder that with enough grit and determination, anything is possible, and we should all just Run More. Age Less.
You can find Camille online:
https://www.runwithcamille.com/coach-camille-herron
