Sarah Porter, a British runner and human-rights advocate, was pulled from a major winter ultramarathon in England after race officials learned she had received death threats.
Porter was competing in the 108-mile Winter Spine Challenger South when organizers withdrew her from the course about 30 miles into the race. The Winter Spine Race organization announced the decision on January 11, saying it was made out of concern for her safety.
Race Officials Acted After Threats Emerged
The organization said the decision followed a specific personal safety threat directed at Porter.
“On Saturday the 10th we made the difficult decision to remove one of our participants from the race following a personal safety threat,” the organizers said in a statement. “We have been working with all the relevant authorities and believe there is no wider threat to other participants on the course.”
Race director Phil Hayday-Brown recommended that Porter be removed, according to the organization, which emphasized that participant safety was its top priority.
Fundraising for Afghan Women
Porter had entered the race as a fundraiser to support young women in Afghanistan. She is the founder and chief executive of InspiredMinds, an artificial intelligence company that promotes the use of technology for positive social impact.
Her advocacy work began in 2017, when she became involved with an all-girls Afghan robotics team. After the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021, she helped evacuate members of the team, along with their families and friends. She continues to support women affected by conflict in Afghanistan and other regions.
A Difficult End to the Race
Porter has been ultrarunning for about 18 months and said this was the first time she had faced threats connected to a race. She had planned extensively for safety, including working closely with race organizers and arranging private security along the course.
She said being told to stop running came suddenly.
Despite the disappointment, she said the experience has not shaken her resolve. She plans to continue fundraising and has more trail and mountain races scheduled this year.
“I really have to go out there now, not just for myself, but also for the girls that I’m supporting,” she said. “I’m not going to stop until I finish something big.”
