Elise Delannoy climbed the Nœux-les-Mines slag heap 278 times on Saturday and Sunday.

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Sports Drones

Elise Delannoy came close to quite a feat last weekend.

First Frenchwoman and 7th female in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc last year, the 36-year-old Northerner indeed completed her 24 hours non-stop on Sunday by climbing 278 times the slag heap of Nœux-les-Mines (Pas -de-Calais), for a final distance of 16,572 m of D + (and 145 km) traveled.

This is the female world record, and even the fourth best overall world performance (men and women combined).

16,572 m of D + in 24 hours: world record for Elise Delannoy https://t.co/OEsEQsTA2K pic.twitter.com/Alz9skoTVv

- The Rider Post (@TheRiderPost) September 21, 2020

For 18 hours, the ultra-trail runner has often been ahead of the world record holder Aurélien Dunand Pallaz (17.218m).

“This crazy challenge was intended to challenge me, but also to show that the longer the distance, the more women approach the level of men,” explains Elise Delannoy.

It is also the occasion to launch the idea to the women to try this record, because I know that the male world record is beatable.

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"It's more rewarding to complete your own project than a race. You can create the event you want so you necessarily find yourself there."

We are looking at the "off" projects of @francoisdhaene, Xavier Thévenard, Luca Papi ... @ 20Minutes #ultratrail # GR20 https://t.co/u0J6cMbPyM

- Jérémy Laugier (@JeremyLaugier) July 9, 2020

The Northerner was able to measure the great enthusiasm around her challenge.

“When I run an ultra, I'm alone most of the time, and I have my team waiting for me at the pitstops,” she says.

Here, on this 520m round trip, I was never alone.

I was always supported and encouraged, I was even read social media comments throughout the day.

It was a unique moment of sharing that I will keep in mind for a long time.

There is no doubt that she will quickly try her luck again on this record loaded with symbolism.

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