Hilde Dosogne is on the brink of breaking the marathon-a-day record

Belgian ultra runner Hilde Dosogne, 55, accomplished the extraordinary feat of running a marathon each day throughout the year 2024, culminating her efforts on December 31, 2024. This achievement positions her to become the first woman to complete a marathon every single day for an entire year, a record that has not been previously held by any female athlete. The current record for the most consecutive marathon days by a female runner is 150 days, set by Australian Erchana Murray-Bartlett on January 16, 2023. Throughout the year, Dosogne faced numerous challenges that tested both her physical endurance and mental resilience, battling flu, COVID-19, and various injuries during her marathon journey. She often trained in the cold and rainy conditions typical of Ghent, Belgium. To meet the Guinness World Records’ standards, she ensured each marathon she ran was slightly longer than the official distance, clocking in at 42.5 kilometers instead of the standard 42.195 kilometers. This strategy provided a safety margin that proved essential given the unforgiving demands of such a grueling routine. Balancing her demanding running schedule with responsibilities as a bio-engineer at a chemical firm required early mornings and meticulous planning. Despite the numerous obstacles she encountered—like crashes during races, including a particularly challenging incident where her daughter dislocated her finger—Dosogne remained committed to her goal. Her family, which includes a husband who is also a marathon runner and four sports-oriented children, played a crucial supportive role in her endeavors. As 2024 drew to a close, Dosogne expressed relief and accomplishment upon completing her last marathon. If her efforts are officially recognized, it will take a few months for the Guinness World Records to validate the details, but she is optimistic. Unlike the male record holder Hugo Farias from Brazil, who ran continuously for 366 days, Dosogne is aiming to carve her unique place in the history of marathon running, focusing not just on her personal achievement but also the physical and mental commitment it required.