Ditte’s Road to Adventure Racing World Championship 2025: A conversation about power, female identity, and choosing the unconventional
We met Ditte for a coffee in central Nørrebro, just weeks before she sets off to represent Denmark at the Adventure Racing World Championship in Canada, September 2025. As the only woman on her team, she’s preparing for one of the most demanding challenges in endurance sports - balancing hours of training with a full-time job, friendships, and a deep respect for nature.
For those new to adventure racing - what is it, exactly?
Adventure racing is an extreme endurance sport that combines trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, and swimming - often over untamed terrain. The World Championship spans over 700 kilometers and typically lasts 5–10 days without pause - and no GPS devices. Just teamwork, maps, compasses - and the raw elements of nature. It’s physically and mentally intense, a test of both resilience and trust!
What inspired you to take part in something this intense?
I wanted to push my limits. To be in nature, learn new things, and discover how far training and mindset can take me. You really can do more than you think - more than you want to believe. I’ve always felt drawn to the forest. That sense of freedom. Being out there really grounds me.
"Honestly, training is my freedom. It’s not something I have to do - it’s something I get to do. It’s where I recharge, especially when I’m out in the nature. It gives back so much."
How do you prepare - both mentally and physically for something like a World Championship?
Mentally, I’ve worked on communication - voicing when I need help, sharing expectations with the team. That makes it easier to support each other when things get tough. Sometimes it’s just a joke to lift the mood. It helps! Physically, it’s all about consistency. I train 15 hours a week - running, cycling, strength. I’ve always been a bike girl! And training with others is a big part of it -it’s social, and it fills me up with energy.
Balancing training with everyday life sounds like a challenge, how do you manage it?
Honestly, training is my freedom. It’s not something I have to do - it’s something Iget to do. It’s where I recharge, especially when I’m out in the nature. It gives back so much. I know the guys on my team from earlier races, so sharing this journey with them feels natural - it’s just so fun!
What has your experience been like as a woman in a male-dominated extreme sport?
Only about a quarter of adventure racers are women. And yes, it can be tough during long days when men naturally have more physical power. But beyond that, the differences start to even out. Women's bodies have other strengths - especially in endurance! I’m also the team captain, so I’m responsible for keeping the big picture in focus. When someone needs to rest, when to refill water - it’s my role to keep us moving and connected. But it’s just as important that we have fun along the way.
Have any female role models shaped your journey?
That we can do so much more than we think - whether it’s in sport, work, or something entirely different. I want to show that you don’t have to fit into the expected boxes. Passion is such a powerful thing. When you find yours, it can change everything.
What’s the one Soft Rebels piece you wouldn’t travel without?
Essentials blouses like Roman are ones I’ll always pack for before and after the race – something I truly feel comfortable in. In addition, I have a deep love for your new suede bag made from 100% leather – it’s an autumn catch! Pssst… I heard it’s being restocked soon!
Ditte’s journey shows that strength isn’t always loud —it can be found in dedication, passion, and the quiet choice to go your own way.
