Meirionnydd Run Club trio take on the challenge at SheUltra Portugal

All three club runners finish in the top 20 as women come together on the Algarve coast to raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer by Jean Ashley

What an amazing day — and so good to share it with Helen Wyn Jones and Margaret Roberts. We certainly did Meirionnydd Run Club proud, with all three of us finishing in the top 20.

Held on 10 October 2026, SheUltra Portugal brought women from Portugal and beyond together along the Algarve coastline to walk or run in support of women affected by cancer. The organisers describe it as more than a trail event: there are no cut-off times and no expectations, and every pace and distance is welcomed under the mantra “No Limits, Only Smiles”.

I had a good, strong race, though I did have cramp issues from miles 20 to 23. A big thank you to Jayne Charnock for some salt tablets, which massively helped and pushed me on to the finish line. I was over the moon to finish fourth overall and first V65 in 5:06.

But this event is about much more than finish times, PBs and positions. We were all out there inspiring women who have had, or are living with, cancer, while holding close to our hearts friends and family who are no longer with us.

The discomfort most of us felt at some point during the event is just a blink of an eye compared with what they went through. Together, it makes us all stronger and gives us the courage and fight to help make a difference. I was so proud to be out there with so many like-minded women, every one of them sharing the same mantra: “No Limits, Only Smiles”.

The event supports awareness and education campaigns, early-detection initiatives, practical and emotional support for women living with cancer and their families, and local partnerships with healthcare teams and organisations across the Algarve. A big thank you to Huw Williams and the SheUltra Portugal team. The organisation and support were absolutely fantastic all the way.