Interview: Shannon Leigh Litt Ultra Runner — A True Story of Resilience, Records, and Running
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Navigation
Chasing a Guinness World Record Marathon: Shannon's Epic Journey
World Record Time for Marathon
Balancing Life, Law, and Consecutive Ultra Marathon Running
The Mental Health Benefits of Running
Fueling Success: Nutrition for Endurance Athletes
Recovery and Resilience: The Secrets to Longevity
Breaking Through Obstacles: Injuries, Criticism, and Determination
Auckland Marathons, Global Adventures, and the Joy of Running
In this inspiring episode of the Style for Life Podcast, Stephanie Rumble, a renowned fashion stylist and accountability coach based in Christchurch, New Zealand, sits down with her friend Shannon Leigh Litt, an extraordinary woman on a mission to break a Guinness World Record. Shannon is not only a dedicated ultra runner but also a practising criminal lawyer, balancing her professional career with an awe-inspiring goal: to achieve the most consecutive ultra marathons ever completed by a female runner.
“Resilience is about taking each day as it comes and focusing on the process.” ~ Shannon Leigh Litt
Their conversation dives deep into the power of resilience, the mental health benefits of running, and how personal challenges can inspire others to push beyond perceived limits. For those looking to develop resilience in both personal and professional contexts, Bright Red's tailored resilience training offers powerful strategies to strengthen mindset and wellbeing.
Chasing a Guinness World Record Marathon: Shannon's Epic Journey
Shannon Leigh Litt is currently attempting to set a new Guinness World Record marathon achievement by running 51 kilometres every single day. She began this incredible journey on 1 January 2024 and has already far surpassed the previous record of 200 days for the most consecutive marathons.
“I just wanted to go for something that felt like me—a personal challenge.” ~ Shannon Leigh Litt
The sheer dedication required to maintain such an effort is staggering. Shannon balances the physical toll of daily ultramarathons with the mental discipline it takes to stay consistent over months. It’s not just a physical feat—it’s a profound display of perseverance, resilience, and mental strength.
Over 383 consecutive ultra marathons completed
Running 51 km daily while working full-time as a criminal defence lawyer
Managing the logistical and physical demands of a world record attempt
Her story is a powerful testament to human endurance and determination.
For more on Shannon's record-breaking journey, you can read this Newsroom article covering her remarkable achievement.
World Record Time for Marathon
When it comes to pushing human limits, Shannon's challenge stands alongside other remarkable achievements in the running world. In the realm of world record time for marathon achievements:
Men's Fastest Marathon 2025: Sabastian Sawe from Kenya won the 2025 London Marathon with a time of 2:02:27 (Source).
Women's World Record (Women Only): Tigst Assefa from Ethiopia set a new women-only world record with a time of 2:15:50 at the same event (Source).
The 2025 TCS London Marathon also set a notable Guinness World Record for the largest number of finishers, with 56,640 runners completing the race (Source).
These feats highlight the sheer potential of the human body when determination and endurance come together. Shannon’s story may not be about speed, but it speaks to a different kind of greatness: unwavering consistency. These diverse marathon records from around the world serve as inspiration for athletes everywhere.
Balancing Life, Law, and Consecutive Ultra Marathon Running
Beyond the physical challenge, Shannon continues to work as a criminal defence lawyer in Piha while maintaining her daily ultra runs. The conversation reveals how she juggles demanding legal work, hours of running, and maintaining personal wellbeing:
Court appearances and high-pressure cases
Daily 5–6-hour runs for her consecutive ultra marathon challenge
Time for friends, community, and mental recharge
What makes Shannon’s journey truly inspiring is the balance she achieves. She hasn’t put her career or personal life on hold for this goal—she has integrated her passion into an already demanding lifestyle. Her story demonstrates that it's possible to chase extraordinary goals without sacrificing other parts of life.
“I haven’t had a day where I’ve felt really down doing this.” ~ Shannon Leigh Litt
For those seeking better work-life balance and improved resilience, Bright Red's workplace wellbeing workshops provide practical strategies to help individuals and teams thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
The Mental Health Benefits of Running
Stephanie and Shannon highlight the profound mental health benefits of running. For Shannon, daily runs offer more than physical fitness—they provide emotional stability, mental clarity, and stress relief:
Reducing stress and improving clarity
Supporting better decision-making
Offering a consistent boost to mood and resilience
Running, in this context, becomes a daily ritual of self-care, empowerment, and growth. The link between running and mental health is well-documented, and Shannon’s experience brings this connection to life. For many, maintaining both running and mental health is key to overall wellbeing.
Fueling Success: Nutrition for Endurance Athletes
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in Shannon’s success. She shares valuable insights into how she fuels her body to sustain such remarkable distances:
Balancing carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats
Adapting fuelling strategies for ultra distances
Managing hydration, supplements, and recovery foods
For those tackling ultra marathon distance events, Shannon's story underscores the importance of fuelling for both endurance and longevity. Her evolving approach shows that listening to your body and remaining adaptable is key.
If you're interested in transforming how you feel and present yourself, explore Bright Red's styling and wardrobe consultations—a powerful way to align inner confidence with outer expression.
Recovery and Resilience: The Secrets to Longevity
Recovery is essential for anyone undertaking daily endurance challenges. Shannon shares how she stays injury-free and mentally energised:
Regular massages and compression therapy
Daily stretching and mobility routines
Prioritising sleep and overall recovery
This careful attention to recovery is key to longevity. Shannon's mental resilience mirrors the techniques found in resilience training—emphasising that mental strength is just as vital as physical conditioning.
Breaking Through Obstacles: Injuries, Criticism, and Determination
Shannon candidly discusses the setbacks she has faced along the way:
Minor injuries and periods of illness
Online criticism and doubters
The challenge of showing up every single day
Her unwavering commitment reflects a profound inner resilience. Shannon’s approach is a reminder that setbacks are part of any journey, and that perseverance is the key to progress—an important message for anyone exploring marathon mental health and wellbeing.
Auckland Marathons, Global Adventures, and the Joy of Running
Shannon has participated in events such as Auckland marathons and the Auckland half marathon series, alongside ultramarathons in Austria, Thailand, and Dubai. Her story reflects not just physical endurance but the personal joy and community connection that running brings.
Running offers more than fitness—it opens the door to adventure, connection, and discovery. Each new race and location adds depth to Shannon’s journey and strengthens her identity as a passionate world record runner.
New Zealand’s own marathon record is held by Zane Robertson, who set the men's national record with a time of 2:08:19 (Source).
Final Thoughts
Shannon Leigh Litt's inspiring journey towards breaking the world record time for marathon consecutive days showcases not only physical endurance but the transformative power of mindset, resilience, and community. Her story highlights how the mental health benefits of running can enrich all aspects of life.
Whether it's achieving the fastest marathon time, the fastest 10k time, or the quiet, daily triumph of consistency, Shannon’s story reminds us that every effort counts.
As Stephanie Rumble demonstrates through her work with Bright Red, the lessons learned in sport—discipline, resilience, and self-belief—translate into success in life and business. For those seeking personalised guidance on their wellness journey, Bright Red's accountability coaching offers compassionate, expert support to help you make lasting change.
For further inspiration on resilience and personal transformation, visit the Bright Red's Education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shannon Leigh Litt's Guinness World Record attempt?
Shannon Leigh Litt is attempting to set a Guinness World Record for the most consecutive ultra marathons completed by a female runner. She has been running 51 kilometres every single day since January 1, 2024, surpassing the previous record of 200 consecutive marathons.
Her journey is not just a physical challenge—it’s a testament to resilience, determination, and mental strength. Shannon’s story inspires others to pursue their own endurance goals, no matter how big or small.
How does Shannon balance running and working as a criminal lawyer?
Shannon maintains a demanding career as a criminal defence lawyer while completing daily ultramarathons. She achieves this through careful time management, early starts, and a disciplined approach to both her legal work and her running.
Her ability to balance work, exercise, and social life is a powerful example of resilience and self-discipline in action. For individuals looking to build better work-life balance, resilience training can help develop the skills to manage competing priorities.
What are the mental health benefits of running daily?
Running daily can offer significant mental health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood, enhanced clarity, and better decision-making. Shannon shared that her running routine helps her manage the pressures of her legal career and stay emotionally grounded.
For many, running becomes a form of active meditation, offering both mental and physical rewards. It can be a valuable part of a broader wellness approach.
How does Shannon fuel her body for ultra marathon running?
Shannon emphasises the importance of balanced nutrition for endurance running. She focuses on a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, and hydration, adjusting her intake depending on the demands of each run and her recovery needs.
She also shared that real food plays a role in her fuelling strategy, particularly outside of race conditions. Proper fuelling is essential for anyone taking on endurance challenges.
How important is recovery for endurance athletes?
Recovery is crucial for athletes engaging in high-volume or consecutive running. Shannon incorporates regular stretching, mobility work, compression therapy, and sufficient sleep to ensure her body and mind stay strong.
Neglecting recovery can increase the risk of injury and burnout. Learning how to balance effort with rest is essential for long-term success. Bright Red’s resilience workshops can help individuals understand how recovery fits into overall wellbeing.
How does Shannon handle injuries or setbacks?
Shannon shared that she has faced various physical and mental setbacks along her journey, including illness, injuries, and online criticism. Her strategy is to stay focused on the bigger picture, use mental resilience techniques, and keep moving forward.
Resilience plays a key role in overcoming both physical and emotional challenges. Staying connected to personal motivation and surrounding oneself with supportive people can make a big difference.
What role does mindset play in endurance challenges?
Mindset is central to Shannon's ability to complete daily ultramarathons. She explained that adopting a positive, resilient attitude allows her to face each day with determination, even when things get tough.
For anyone tackling personal or professional challenges, cultivating a resilient mindset is key. Bright Red’s resilience training offers practical tools to build mental strength and flexibility.
What marathons and events has Shannon participated in?
Shannon has completed numerous events including the Auckland Marathons, Auckland Half Marathon Series, and international ultramarathons in Austria, Thailand, and Dubai. She has also taken part in smaller local events and charity runs.
These experiences highlight her love for both competitive and community running, as well as her drive to continually challenge herself.
How can running improve resilience in everyday life?
Running can teach valuable lessons in resilience that apply far beyond sport. It helps individuals build discipline, stress tolerance, and the ability to push through discomfort—qualities that are transferable to work, relationships, and personal growth.
For those looking to build resilience outside of running, Bright Red’s workshops and accountability coaching provide practical strategies to thrive through life’s challenges.
How can I start building resilience like Shannon?
Starting small is key. Resilience is built gradually through consistent actions such as setting goals, developing healthy habits, and learning to reframe setbacks. Physical activities like running can be a great foundation, but resilience can be cultivated in many ways.
Bright Red offers resilience training and coaching designed to help individuals and teams strengthen their mental agility and adaptability in both work and life.
