Far from professional athletes, Gaelyn and Gill are two “not-so-ordinary” women undertaking the extraordinary challenge to complete four 160km ultramarathons in one year! Why? To support and empower vulnerable women in George, and it’s all beautifully unfolding right here on our own soil.
George, South Africa (12 June 2025) – Two women who describe themselves as ordinary, although we beg to differ, are taking on one of the rarest physical challenges in the world: completing four 160km ultramarathons (100-milers) in a single year, and it is all to support vulnerable women rising against their odds.
Very few women attempt more than one 100-miler a year globally. But Gaelyn Slabber-Postma and Gillian Lupton-Smith are determined to do four through their self-funded Run for Her campaign.
Both from George, the pair work full-time jobs. Gaelyn, a personal trainer and small business owner, and Gill, a paediatric doctor at George Hospital. They are taking on the monumental challenge of supporting Wild Mongoo.
The organisation is a non-profit that helps turn vulnerability into ability by empowering women in Africa to flourish and bloom through skills training.
Not professional athletes, but two powerful women looking to make a difference in the lives of others, Gaelyn and Gill are doing it all while balancing careers, family, and training. Together, they train before sunrise and after long shifts because they believe in something bigger.
They’ve already completed Addo (160km) in 38 hours and 45 minutes. The MUT by UTMB, Cederberg Traverse, and LoFER 100-Miler are up next on their list.
Every kilometre covered by Gaelyn and Gill is a fundraiser, a statement, a symbol of what South African women can endure and achieve.
When asked why she’s taken on this immense challenge, Gill told us:
“I never knew there were services like Wild Mongoo for vulnerable women in George — and now I can’t unsee it. I see women at work every day who are desperate to change their lives but don’t have the support, belief, or opportunity. I love running, and if using that to uplift even one woman is possible, then every step is worth it. I’m only where I am today because of people who believed in me. If I can pay that forward, I will — because everyone has value and purpose. For me, this is all about grit and grace.”
Gaelyn added:
“I train women every day to become stronger — physically, mentally, emotionally. But the truth is, it’s not just about the body. It’s about reminding them they are powerful, capable, and worthy of more. Running ultra distances through the mountains is how I reconnect with that truth in myself. It’s how I stay grounded in something bigger.
“I don’t do this for medals — I do it to carry the message that no matter how far gone you feel, you can come back. You can rise. If my legs can carry that message for Wild Mongoo — who do such important work, quietly and courageously supporting women who need it most — then I’ll keep running, for as long as it takes.”
The funds they raise will go toward expanding Wild Mongoo’s safe house and supporting the women in their healing journey through shelter, skills training, and the sale of beautiful handcrafted products made by survivors themselves.
We’re rooting for this inspiring duo because not only are they using their passion to fuel purpose, but they’re inspiring South Africans to rise above limitations.
Sources: Supplied
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