Ultra-Runner Sabrina Pace-Humphreys Receives Honorary Doctorate for Activism, Reflects on Past

An athlete expressed profound pride upon being awarded an honorary doctorate recognizing her advocacy concerning racism and mental well-being. Sabrina Pace-Humphreys, 46, an ultra-runner, was granted this philosophy degree by the University of Gloucestershire in November. She stated that her “younger years were traumatic” and she “experienced racial abuse,” which led her to co-establish Black Trail Runners with the aim of enhancing the inclusion and involvement of black individuals. She remarked, “I think that small, shy girl would have been stunned by my graduation.” Ms. Pace-Humphreys recounted enduring years of racial abuse during her upbringing in a disadvantaged, working-class environment within a predominantly white rural area in Stroud. Subsequently, she experienced a teenage pregnancy, addiction, and severe post-natal depression following the delivery of her fourth child, all while managing a PR company. She attributed her recovery to a general practitioner who “saved her” by recommending she start running, a practice that progressively alleviated her feelings of failure. She commented, “Younger me would be so proud that we survived and made it through – and thrived.” She further stated, “Things were – and still are – tough but I’m a real believer we have power to change.” She elaborated, “When I’m being trolled around the work I’m doing in ethnic diversity and feel doors are closed to me, or when I want to revert to the shy girl from my childhood, I think of what I would say to my grandchildren and how I can leave some form of legacy for them.” She encouraged, “You can do things… just think, ‘what am I going to do today to potentially change someone’s life?’.” She expressed that this award fills her with immense pride, enabling her to leverage all her life experiences for the betterment of society. She also noted that, as a 46-year-old woman, she is experiencing a life beyond her wildest expectations. For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.