This Women’s Day in South Africa, we celebrate the phenomenal women who dominate the world of ultra-trail marathons. Defying the odds and pushing beyond limits, women have consistently secured top spots in these gruelling events, proving their resilience, strength, and unparalleled multitasking abilities. Among these remarkable athletes are Jess Barrow and Riana van der Merwe, two of South Africa’s leading ultra-trail runners, whose stories of passion and perseverance continue to inspire.
Jess Barrow: From Motherhood to Mountain Peaks
Jess Barrow’s adventure into the world of trail running began in 2016 with a leap of faith. Postpartum with her third child and yearning for a new thrill, she agreed to join a friend in running the Otter Trail Run. With little training but a heart full of determination, Jess completed the race and discovered a passion that would change her life. Eight years and two more children later, Jess is a trail-running powerhouse, with her youngest now following in her footsteps on the trails.
“I was seeking adventure, and trail running gave me that and more,” says Jess. “The Otter ignited a fire in me that has only grown stronger with each race.”
The very night she returned from the Otter, Jess signed up for the Whale of Trail, Mont Aux Sources, and UTCT 100 km, driven by the thrill of the trail. Despite minimal training, she placed 4th in the 2017 UTCT 100 km, finishing in 17 hours. This was the moment Jess realized that trail running was more than just an adventure—it was her calling.
“The Ultra’s have always lured me,” Jess explains. “The physical and mental journey of a 100 or 160 km race is unparalleled. It’s an experience that fulfils me in a way that shorter distances never could.”
The Kway Skyrun holds a special place in Jess’s heart. The raw mountain route, the vibrant community, and the breathtaking landscapes of Lady Grey and Balloch make it an event she eagerly anticipates each year.
Riana van der Merwe: From High Altitudes to Trail Heights
Riana van der Merwe’s journey into trail running began from an unexpected place—a high-altitude mountaineering background. In 2007, while waiting for a weather window in the Swiss Alps, Riana and her partner stumbled upon a poster for the Zermatt marathon. They entered the race, bought running shoes, and thus began their trail running adventure.
“We had no idea what we were getting into, but we were hooked,” says Riana. “Our mountaineering background made us accustomed to long hours on our feet, and trail running suited our lives better after having children.”
Riana quickly transitioned from trail marathons to ultra distances, with her first Kway Skyrun 100km later that year. Since then, she has completed numerous ultra races worldwide, including the Transalps, UTMB CCC, UTMB TDS, and races on Reunion Island, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and Spain. In South Africa, Riana has conquered the Cederberg Traverse, UTD, Hobbit, Outeniqua, and Kway Skyrun, among others.
“Women are machines who can multitask,” Riana notes. “In ultra trails, a lot can go wrong, but women plan their work and work their plan. We are used to juggling multiple responsibilities, and that makes us stronger.”
Balancing demanding careers and raising children, both Jess and Riana exemplify the art of time management and dedication. Jess rises before dawn for focused training sessions, while Riana, living on a farm, integrates running into her daily life and follows structured training programs from her coach.
“Training is a juggle, but I make it work,” Jess shares. “My real endurance training begins when I get home to my four kids after a long run!”
For Riana, ultra-trail running is a family affair. “There is no conflict in our house about what we are going to do. We run in the mountains. That is what we do.”
Women like Jess Barrow and Riana van der Merwe are part of a growing trend of female ultra-trail runners excelling in the sport. Their success is mirrored globally by athletes like American ultra-trail runner Courtney Dauwalter, who won the top three biggest ultra-trail mountain races around the world in 2023: The Hardrock, Western States, and UTMB. Dauwalter’s achievements underscore the exceptional capabilities of women in ultra-distance running, often placing high overall and breaking records.
Research and statistics highlight that women excel in endurance sports due to their ability to maintain a steady pace, efficient energy use, and exceptional pain tolerance. Their multitasking skills, honed through balancing careers, family, and training, further contribute to their success in ultra-trail running.
As Jess prepares for her fifth Kway Skyrun and Riana looks forward to her 17th, their stories exemplify the spirit of perseverance, adventure, and competitive excellence.
This Women’s Day, we celebrate Jess Barrow, Riana van der Merwe, and all the incredible women who continue to break barriers and set new standards in ultra-trail marathons. Their stories inspire and empower future generations of female athletes to chase their dreams and conquer new heights.
For more information about the 2024 Kway Skyrun, please visit www.skyrun.co.za
