One of the sure-fire things known about Vernon, B.C., ultra athlete Shanda Hill is the word quit is not part of her vocabulary.
To finish the first-ever South Africa Deca Ultra Triathlon, Hill will now have to power through an injury causing her severe pain.
The only woman competing in the race, Hill has, in the past 10 days, swam 38 kilometres, took the lead into the 1,800km bike ride, and held that lead in the running discipline until Monday, March 17, when she was overtaken by a French athlete.
But early on Tuesday, March 18, Hill pulled an adductor muscle connected to her pelvic floor, and it's causing significant grief (the adductor muscles are a group of muscles located in the inner thigh that are responsible for bringing the thigh toward the midline of the body).
"The pulled muscle is not just a minor setback. That muscle is key for stabilizing Shanda's legs and pelvis, and now every step feels weak, unstable, and sharp with pain, especially when she pushes off or changes stride," said Hill's partner, Jacs Spence, on Facebook Tuesday. "If she is not careful, she could start overcompensating and put even more strain on other muscles.
"To keep moving forward, she will have to manage the pain, adjust her stride, and push through with sheer determination. It is going to take everything she has. But if there is one thing we know about Shanda, it is that she does not quit."
Hill has completed approximately 233kms on the run, more than half of the 422km route.
Her goal in 2025 is to compete in every International Ultra Triathlon Association (IUTA) race on the planet, and to do that, she's hoping to raise $80,000.
Hill's relentless spirit, said Spence, is why so many people have stepped up to support here.
"Since she started racing, 13 people have contributed $1,620 toward her next race in Brazil (first week of May)," said Spence. "Every dollar goes directly into her account, and when she crosses that finish line and sees how many people believe in her, I know it will mean the world to her.
"Shanda is not someone who takes the easy road. She has always fought me to let me start any crowdfunding, and she will not accept sponsorships unless she genuinely believes in the company behind them. That means no energy drinks, no supplements, none of the big-money industries that typically sponsor athletes. She can be highly stubborn believe it or not."
With sponsorships and donations combined, she has raised $7,120 toward her $80,000 goal. Anybody wishing to donate can do so at .
