Sarah Ruggins, a 37-year-old Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, has achieved a remarkable feat by cycling 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O’Groats to Land’s End and back in just five days, 11 hours, and 14 minutes. This incredible effort not only broke the previous men’s record by six hours and 43 minutes but also shattered the former women’s record by nearly five days.
Ruggins, who lost her ability to walk and use her hands independently after being diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome at 16, defied all odds. Despite her condition, she took up cycling only two and a half years ago and maintained an extraordinary average of 500 km (310 miles) per day during her journey, surviving on just over four hours of sleep each night.
“This ride was a celebration of life and a gift to myself and everyone who needs motivation,” Ruggins said. “It’s taught me to believe in myself and proven that women can compete at the highest levels, not just within their gender but across all sports. I’m proud to be one of the first women to break a men’s endurance record—it shows that we have a place at the top and deserve to be taken seriously.”
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Originally from Montreal, Ruggins dreamed of Olympic track glory in her youth before her diagnosis ended those ambitions abruptly. After years of rehabilitation, she found a new passion in cycling since running was no longer an option. Settling in the UK a decade ago, she initially aimed to break the running record between Land’s End and John O’Groats but chose cycling to adapt to her physical limitations.
In 2023, after only half a year of cycling training, Ruggins completed the demanding 4,000 km Transcontinental Race across Europe. This experience prepared her for the grueling UK record attempt, which challenged her not only physically but mentally—pushing her through fears of failure and dependence on others.
“I wanted to make an impact and inspire others through my story,” she explained. “Even when the ride was painful, it was a choice I made, fueled by strength and determination. Life can change unexpectedly, but you can always pivot and find new joy.”
Ruggins completed her challenge to raise funds for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, charities that help people start new lives in the UK through cycling.