Emily Hawgood, Zimbabwe's long distant runner grew up on a farm in Beatrice, just outside the capital city of Harare. After moving to the USA for college she has become a rising star representing Zimbabwe in the sport of ultra running, which is a long-distance marathon of anything longer than 26.2 miles; the most common distances are 50 and 100 miles and 50 and 100 kilometres, or 31 and 62 miles.
 |
| Emily Hawgood crosses the finish line at the 2022 UTMB competitions Image credit: Ian Corless |
"I have to pinch myself that a flatlander farm girl can now run in the mountains all over the world, and don’t take that opportunity for granted ever. It’s a very special privilege," she says when asked by Trail Runner about how she feels being one of the most influential trail runners to come out of Zimbabwe.
In 2021, Emily had an incredible breakout in the ultrarunning world. She joined the Adidas Terrex team and placed seventh out of 375 participants at the Western States 100 miles - a competition organized by the American Trail Running Association in Auburn, California, the Western States where she represented Zimbabwe.
This year, Emily Hawgood doubled down to rank 6th position in the female category and 4th position in the 20 - 34-year-old female category at the UTMB ultimate global trail running world series competition (Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc).
"26hrs 37mins, 6th place! I’m super proud and thankful for each step & each person who helped me along the way otherwise, I’m simply lost for words." she shared on Instagram about the 170 km race that takes a complete tour of the Mont Blanc Massif, passing through 3 countries: France, Switzerland and Italy starting from Chamonix, France with a maximum race time of 47 hours.
"Trail running is just starting to take off in Zimbabwe. I only discovered the trails when I graduated from college in the US so I haven’t been too connected with the trail running community back home until recently. I am running the Skyrun in Zimbabwe, which I am excited about. The running community, in general, is close, too, and it’s been great to see family and friends find joy on the trails." she was quoted by Trail Runner when asked about Zimbabwe's trail running community and culture.
Emily attended boarding school in Marondera, a city about two-and-a-half hours from her home — first to Springvale House, and then Peterhouse.
Enjoyed reading this entertainment news report? Support Greedysouth by buying the team a cup of coffee. Your support assists in the production of such quality reports. Thank you.