Steph Marshall (25) is a Horse-mad Environmental Scientist and Ultra-marathon Runner.
“I was one of those kids who would fake notes from their parents to get out of PE. When I was about 16 – this is tragic – we had the option of either doing straight PE or health, or a combination. All the good-looking guys were in the first XV and were doing the pure PE, so that was my motivation to take that class.
Funnily enough, I then got a PE scholarship to Otago University, where I did a degree in human skeletal anatomy. My post-grad degree is in human genetics, and I now work as an environmental scientist, studying the chemistry of our drinking water to ensure it’s safe for human consumption, which is a bit of a left turn.
I did my first Coast to Coast when I was 18. My old man – Rob Marshall – had done it about 10 times, so the plan was to have a bit of a father-daughter thing going, and it went from there. I’d do the mountain run on the Friday and crew for Dad on the longest day on the Saturday. I’ve come second a lot, but last year I won both the open women’s and my age group, and Dad took out his age group as well.
My mum Niki isn’t into racing – she’s a mountain biker – but she is great as support crew. She’s very good at waiting there with your protein shake or your energy bars!
I saw the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon advertised a few years ago and just thought it would be epic. It was a bit of a long shot because it’s quite an exclusive race. When everything started falling into place, it was like, ‘Oh my God, this is actually happening!’ All of a sudden it was quite scary.
This story is from the September 2 2019 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2 2019 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills