East Sussex Runner Sets New Women’s World Record In 24-Hour Race

(c) British Athletics

An amateur runner from Rottingdean has made history after setting a new women’s world record in a gruelling 24-hour race in France.

Sarah Webster, 46, ran an incredible 173 miles (278km) in a single day to take gold at the World Championships — surpassing the previous world record of 168 miles (270km).

She was one of three female athletes to break the record during the event.

Webster admitted it took determination to keep going even after hitting the milestone.

“Part of me wanted to stop as soon as I got the record,” she said, “but I knew the Australian and Japanese girls were behind me and could overtake me.”

The race, held in the French town of Albi, was only Webster’s second-ever 24-hour event.

Earlier this year, she won her debut race — the UK Championships in Crawley, West Sussex — running 151 miles (243km).

Reflecting on the challenge, she said the early stages were the toughest:

“The first four hours were probably the hardest, mentally getting into it, thinking ‘this hurts’ and I’ve got another 20 hours to run.

"But once you find your rhythm, get some food in, and settle into the night, it becomes a bit easier.

"The last four hours were brutal, but I knew I was on for a record and couldn’t give up.”

Alongside her running achievements, Webster balances training with her busy career as a veterinarian.

“I love being out when life’s busy — when you’re stressed, just get out on the hills or the road and run,” she said.

“The problems are still there when you get back, but it clears your head. The miles just come, and I’ve built them up persistently over the years.”

Although she joked about retiring after setting the record, Webster says she’s not ready to hang up her running shoes just yet.

“I’m definitely not retiring from running,” she laughed. “But whether I’ll do another 24-hour race — we’ll see.”