Every year, International Women's Day serves as a moment to reflect, celebrate, and push forward. It’s a day that honors achievements but also underscores the work that remains. The theme this year, set by the UN, is: For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Running is often framed as an individual sport, yet the stories of women runners tell us otherwise—it is deeply communal, powerfully transformational, and a platform for progress. However, the reality remains that women continue to face barriers that extend far beyond the track. Whether it’s safety concerns, a lack of research on female physiology, or simply the societal expectations placed on them, women in running must navigate more than just the miles.
Today, we spotlight three women from the Runna community—each embodying the resilience, passion, and power that defines female runners. Their experiences are a testament to the fact that women can, and do, achieve anything.
Jing Wen: Finding Strength in Every Step
Three years ago, Runna community member, Jing Wen took up running as a way to create space for herself—a daily mental health break and a commitment to consistency. "Running gave me the opportunity to get out of my mind and into my body," she says. What started as an outlet has since become a source of joy, clarity, and proof of her own capabilities.
Her Biggest Challenge: “Recently, a knee flare-up disrupted three years of injury-free running. "It was disheartening, but I focused on what I could control," she shares. By shifting her mindset and incorporating strength and cross-training, she found new ways to build resilience. "This challenge has given me a newfound appreciation for an aspect of running I once took for granted."
A Moment of Power: "During one of my long runs, I realized how much I love pushing my limits. That moment made me feel unstoppable."
Her Advice to Women Starting Running: "The hardest part is starting. Just promise yourself five minutes—you might surprise yourself with how far you go."
What ‘Women Can Do Anything’ Means to Her: "Running proves that the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves. Every time we push past discomfort, we prove we are capable of more than we imagined."
Steph Davis: From Olympic Dreams to Supporting Others
Olympian, marathoner, coach, and new mom—Steph Davis has navigated every stage of the running journey. From school races to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, her passion has evolved, but one thing remains: she is motivated not only by her own goals but by helping others achieve theirs.
Her Biggest Challenge: "Consistency. Setbacks are inevitable, but each one has taught me how to adapt. Biomechanics analysis, drills, and cross-training have all helped me stay strong and healthy."
A Moment of Power: Breaking the tape at the British Olympic Marathon Trials. "Going to the Olympics felt like a pipe dream, but crossing that line and securing my spot was a moment I’ll never forget."
Her Advice to Women Starting Running: "Be patient. Start small, follow a walk/run plan, and build up slowly. Longevity in running comes from consistency, and consistency comes from patience."
What ‘Women Can Do Anything’ Means to Her: "Women are a key part of the running community. Whether you run fast or slow, short or long distances, if you run, you are a runner."
Anya Culling: Defying Limits and Running Fearlessly
As an elite marathoner and Runna coach, Anya Culling has had to overcome her own mental barriers. While her times are fast, her greatest battle has been with self-belief.
Her Biggest Challenge: "Believing in myself. Running is a solo sport—your performance is on you. I’ve worked on my confidence, using positive self-talk, goal setting, and visualization."
A Moment of Power: Representing England in a marathon. "It was the proudest moment of my life. I proved to myself that I was capable of something I never thought possible."
Her Advice to Women Starting Running: "You are a runner. Stop doubting yourself. Running is for everyone."
What ‘Women Can Do Anything’ Means to Her: "Remember when women weren’t considered strong enough to run a marathon? Look at us now. We run on top of everything else we do. Women are determined, supportive, strong, and courageous."
Celebrating, But Not Stopping
These stories reflect the power, grit, and joy that running brings to women in the Runna community. But they also highlight the ongoing need for change—whether in research, representation, or safety.
Women’s health in sports remains underfunded, and too often training doesn't take into account a woman's cycle and how this affects their physical performance and wellbeing. At Runna, we're working toward one day being able to offer plans that adapt to the phases of a woman's cycle, so training is optimal and personalised. But we know it'll be some time before we there.
A staggering 92% of women feel unsafe while running. In some parts of the world, even participating in sport is an act of defiance. The reality is, the fight for gender equality doesn’t stop at the finish line of a race.
International Women’s Day is about more than celebration. It’s about progress. And the stories of women in running? They are a reminder to keep pushing forward.