Beyond the Finish Line: Representation in Adventures

Photo credit: Emma Hampson-Jones

London Sole Sisters is a group of black women based in London, United Kingdom all aged between 40 and 50. We are all active and, on a mission, to show that being active doesn’t have to stop at a certain age. We are a team brought together by our love of running, trails, and the great outdoors. As individuals, we have been running for several years from road marathons to Ultra marathons. Our team captain Gloria Sarpong decided to create an outlet for the representation she felt was missing. She reached out to other women who she believed were as mad as her to say yes to such a challenge! As black women we want other black women to know that they can do anything regardless of their age, shape, or size.

What better way to represent where there is limited representation than The Speed Project. The Speed Project is an unsanctioned, unsupported relay styled ultra-marathon with no rules besides getting from A to B, safely. Running from Santa Monica in LA to the Las Vegas Welcome sign covering 340 miles. 

The Speed Project’s average runner is in their mid-twenties and this is another reason why we wanted to challenge the status quo. These challenges include limited representation, unequal access to resources and opportunities, as well as stereotypes that may hinder participation. We want to challenge and change that and whilst we all have our own unique personal reasons for wanting to do this madness, collectively that is our mission.

Some words from the crew about their reason for taking on TSP:

Gloria Sarpong: “I am a big advocate for women my age and above to embrace sport and to keep moving. I have watched other participants in TSP and have been in awe of what they have achieved. I managed to find five other people who were crazy enough to want to do it too! I also think it would be a great thing to do in my 50th year on Earth!

Linda Agyemang: “Opportunities like this don’t always present themselves and I believe when it does, you have to grab it with both hands. Anyone who knows me knows that I like a challenge, it’s what helps me grow as a person. I am doing this with these amazing women to show that we do belong in spaces like this and that we are capable of achieving extraordinary things no matter our age, gender, or background. I am sure this will be a life-changing experience that will hold a special place in my heart. I would like to also show my children that you can do anything you put your mind to and hope to inspire them to achieve greatness. Completing this challenge with my sisters by my side is the ultimate goal and the cherry on top.”

Dionne Duncan: “TSP was in my eyeline as a race for ‘real’ runners. I am participating in this race as part of a team to take on the monumental mental and physical challenge. I aim to view myself as a real runner who as part of a team is capable of doing hard things. I hope to document ordinary people doing extraordinary things and inspire other women to explore outside of their comfort zone.”

Trina Dawkins: “I am somebody who will say yes to a challenge or opportunity and decide the ‘how’ later. I am at a stage in my life and running journey where I want to push my limits whilst supporting and encouraging other people to move and get active to a healthier way of living because we all want to be healthy and happy, right?!”

Cheryl Pitt: “The Challenge itself! I know it is going to be incredibly hard but to say I’ve done this will be my biggest accomplishment.”

Iyabo Oba: “I am taking on this challenge as I want to push myself out of my comfort zone in terms of my fitness journey. I also found that running has been a great way to manage my skin condition, eczema. This is going to be an exciting discovery for us as a team of women. We’ve come together because of our passion for movement and the desire to be able to do audacious challenges.”

Jane Rose: “I want to push myself to be the best I can be. Being part of London Sole Sisters just feels right. I want to take part in this challenge to prove to myself and others that I can do hard things and not just run the streets of London.”

Cheryl is one of the original members but unfortunately, she is no longer able to run the race with us but is still supporting. Linda will be taking Cheryl’s place on the team but I wanted to highlight Cheryl’s why and acknowledge her as part of the team.

Tackling The Speed Project is our first challenge, but we have big hopes and dreams for the future so please look out for us. We hope to support another underrepresented group and assist them in their quest to take part in the next race/challenge in the following year. The feeling of being seen is a feeling of hope and we want to inspire other women to take on a new challenge regardless of fear.

The Speed Project is a race but ultimately it is also about the journey for us as London Sole Sisters and the awareness we would like to bring about under-representation in the outdoors especially as we get older. We are strong and fearless and we want other black women out there to feel inspired and go out there and know that they too belong in spaces like this. Ultimately motivating other women like us to show up in spaces like this is our aim as a collective. 

We have incredible volunteers that have stepped up to the challenge to make this happen but we still need our community’s support worldwide. 

Please donate if you can do so and share with anyone you know who might be willing to support the cause, we will be eternally grateful.

Fundraiser by Trina Dawkins : LDN Sole Sisters x TSP LALV MARCH 2024 (gofundme.com)