Hi, I’m Sarah Williams, the founder of Tough Girl Challenges and host of the award-winning Tough Girl Podcast.

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Ten years ago, I walked away from a successful career in banking, burnt out and searching for something more. I was 32, dealing with chronic fatigue and anaemia, and knew I needed a radical change. I wanted to live a life filled with passion, purpose, and adventure — so I created it.

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Since founding Tough Girl Challenges in 2014, I’ve completed 31 incredible adventures across 13+ countries, including the Appalachian Trail, the Marathon des Sables, cycling the length of North America, walking the Te Araroa Trail in New Zealand, and so many more. To date, I’ve hiked over 7,400 miles, cycled 2,500 miles, and continue to push myself with new endurance challenges around the world.

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Through it all, I’ve documented the highs and lows — not only of my own expeditions but those of extraordinary women around the globe. Since launching the Tough Girl Podcast in 2015, I’ve released over 800 episodes, garnered 3.6 million+ downloads, and proudly rank in the top 0.1% of podcasts worldwide. The show is a platform for sharing untold stories of strength, resilience, and courage.

 

Tough Girl Challenges isn’t just about adventure — it’s about inspiring women and girls to dream big, break barriers, and step outside their comfort zones. I believe in showing, not just telling. I’ve lived every mile, blister, and breakthrough to better understand and share what it truly means to challenge yourself — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

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Now, over a decade into this journey — and as a single woman in her 40s living life on her own terms — I’ve never felt more empowered, more aligned, or more excited about what’s ahead.

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Whether you're here for inspiration, information, or to start your own next chapter — welcome.

 

You’re in the right place.

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Tough Girl Awards & Nominations

  

2015 - Finalist in the New Media Europe - Influencer Award and Audience Appreciate Award 

2016 - Tough Girl Blog was Highly Recommended in the UK Blog Awards

2016 - Recognised by the Guardian as one of the 10 most inspiring contemporary female adventurers

2016 - Northern Power named me as one of the top 50 women to follow on the Future List

2017 - Tough Girl Blog was a Finalist in the UK Blog Awards

2018 - Winner - Women's Sports Trust #BeAGameChanger Media Initiative of the Year Award

2018 - Red Bull named me as one of the adventurers to follow on Instagram

2019 - Winner of the SheExtreme Best Adventure Podcast Award 

2021 - Winner of the Best Urban & Adventure Podcast for the Sports Podcast Awards.

 2022 - Best Adventure Sports Podcast in the Sports Podcast Awards

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