From the farms of Zimbabwe to the biggest stages in ultra running, Emily Hawgood has built her career on one simple habit: saying yes to opportunities. In this episode of Pushing Horizons: Step by Step, we dive into Emily’s journey, her early days running with her family, her transition to the U.S., and the mindset that’s carried her to multiple Western States top-10 finishes, UTMB starts, and course-record wins.

Emily opens up about presence on the start line, the importance of community, faith, and the lessons the mountains have taught her. We talk about fear, resilience, process goals vs. podium goals, and what it really takes to thrive at the highest level of the sport.

If you’re an athlete chasing your own limits, or simply looking for inspiration from one of the most grounded and joyful voices in the ultra community, this conversation is for you.

Keywords: ultra running, Emily Hawgood, Western States 100, UTMB, ultra marathon, trail running, endurance mindset, pushing limits, Zimbabwe runners, women in endurance sports, elite ultrarunner, community in running