Sandra Villines

About

Sandra Villines is an American ultrarunner from San Jose, California whose journey from obesity to world record holder is one of the most compelling transformation stories in endurance sport. Born in Bakersfield, California, she battled weight issues throughout her childhood and early adulthood until her then-5-year-old daughter's innocent comment about her appearance prompted a life-changing decision to run one hour every day. She lost 50 pounds in six months, discovered ultrarunning through Dean Karnazes, and over 2010-2014 completed 36 half marathons and five full marathons before moving into ultra-distance racing. Her peak achievement came in 2017 when she set the women's world record for the Trans America Run — a 3,100-mile coast-to-coast crossing of the United States — finishing in 54 days, 16 hours, and 24 minutes, more than 14 days faster than the previous record. That same year she won the women's title at the Badwater Ultramarathon. Throughout her elite career she balanced full-time work as a district manager at Walgreens and raced without major corporate sponsorship. Her Trans America record was surpassed in November 2023 by Jenny Hoffman.

Notable Wins

• — Trans America Run women's world record 2017 (54d 16h 24m)
• — Badwater Ultramarathon women's 2017

Race History

Recent Coverage