Molly Sheridan is an ultramarathon runner and adventurer.
At 48 years old Molly entered her first marathon. Four weeks into training she injured her foot and was told that she was too old to be running. Taking her own advice, Molly corrected her training, mailed her finish-line picture to the doctor who told her she was old, and decided to challenge herself. As a novice runner, she entered the Rio Del Lago 100-mile Endurance Race. Traversing 100 miles non-stop through northern California, she discovered her love of endurance running, her youthful mind and her adventurous spirit.
In the past 5 years, Molly has run over 35 ultramarathons. In 2009, she completed the extreme running event Marathon Des Sables (MDS), a seven-day, 150-mile stage race across the Sahara Desert. Eight weeks later, Molly completed the 135-mile, non-stop, Badwater Ultramarathon. An invitation-only event, Badwater is considered the toughest footrace on the planet. It begins at Badwater, Death Valley, the lowest point in the continental U.S., and ends at Mt. Whitney portal, a 13,000-foot vertical ascent. The documentary “Molly’s Run,” chronicles her Badwater run in which she received the coveted buckle for finishing under the 48-hour time limit.
Molly is the only American woman to attempt and complete La Ultra-The High ultra-marathon, a 138-mile non-stop footrace in the Himalayas. The elevation being an even greater obstacle than the sheer distance, La Ultra begins at 14,000 feet, with climbs to near 17,500 feet on the highest motor-able pass in the world, Khardung La, and to greater than 17,000 feet atop Tang Lang La. The race culminates in the Morey Plains on the border between China and Pakistan. Even though the India Government said it was physically impossible to complete the distance, Molly completed the race August 13, 2011.
Molly’s determination, indomitable spirit, and infectious smile continue to draw interest and accolades from across the country. In 2010 alone, she was featured among the “Women Who Move” in Women’s Running magazine; on Adventure Woman Radio, Nevada Public Radio KNPR, The Christian Science Monitor; and in the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
As an owner of Desert Sky Adventures, a race management company in Las Vegas, Molly encourages others to walk and run for their health. She also speaks to audiences across the country on her exploits and the benefits of running for health and continues to run adventure races and ultra-marathons around the globe. It is the adventure that keeps her coming back for more. Molly will be attempting to run 100 miles in Antarctica, fall 2013, the coldest, windiest continent on the planet. Follow her journey at www.mollysheridanruns.com