Cumbrian Vet and Athlete, Emma Stuart, Makes Shortlist for Woman of the Year Award
A Cumbrian woman who ran 82 hours in the Alps was earlier nominated for a Woman of the Year award in her home country of Ireland.
Working at Paragon Vets' Newbiggin Clinic, 33-year-old Emma Stuart expressed her joy at being nominated for this esteemed prize.
On the same list as her are other accomplished female athletes, including an ice freediver, a long-distance paddle boarder, and a transatlantic sailor.
An Irish ultramarathon runner named Eoin Keith put Emma forward for the Outsider Woman of the Year award.
“I was blown away when I found out that Eoin had nominated me,” said Emma. “He is revered in Ireland for his amazing achievements and a bit of a hero of mine. The fact that he believes in me means the world to me.”
Despite juggling her training and job, Emma—also known as "The Running Vet"—has accomplished a great deal.
She said: “I want to show other vets who get bogged down and struggle with work-life balance that they can have a fulfilling career and a life outside work.
“Paragon has been so supportive and accommodating. Being willing to consider my interests and allow me to take the time off to train and compete, that makes a huge difference.”
The renowned 350km Tor des Geants, which winds its way across Italy's Aosta Valley, is one of the world's most challenging ultramarathons. Emma broke the record for quickest female runner last year. The event started with almost 1,300 participants, but only about 650 made it to the end.