Sara Willhoit

Sara Willhoit is one of Britain’s leading mountain runners, known for her strength on steep terrain. A multiple GB and England international, she has excelled across World Cup, European, and World Championship events, and in 2025 was crowned English Fell Running Champion.

Raised in Shrewsbury, Sara spent her childhood adventuring around Shropshire and Mid Wales with her parents and siblings in an old converted ambulance. Though she loved being active running only entered her life later, when she joined friends training for a local half marathon. That first three‑mile run became the start of something much bigger than sore shins.

Encouraged by her granny to join a club, Sara eventually found her way to Shrewsbury AC and Mercia Fell Runners. Fell running quickly took hold: she learned navigation from experienced clubmates, raced every local series she could, and discovered a love of brutally steep climbs.

Her breakthrough came in 2019 when finishing second in the Snowdonia Trail Marathon earned her a GB vest for the World Mountain Running Championships in Argentina, where she placed 11th. More international selections followed: Innsbruck 2023 and Annecy 2024, and Canfranc 2025. In 2025 she turned her focus to the Golden Trail Series, delivering strong performances, curtailed by a concussion in the series final.

Beyond racing, Sara loves sunrise runs, big views, wildlife and mornings on the fells.