“On the surface, my human rights work and ultrarunning might seem unrelated. But for me, they are deeply connected by purpose: to push boundaries, to fight for equity, and to discover what lies beyond ‘impossible’.”
For Stephanie Case, Canadian human rights lawyer, ultra-endurance athlete, and founder of Free to Run, purpose is the thread that ties everything together. Whether navigating humanitarian emergencies in conflict zones or running through the night in a 100-mile race, she lives by the belief that real change, personal or global, only happens when we are willing to step beyond comfort.
From Courtrooms to the World’s Toughest Trails
Stephanie’s journey has been anything but conventional. She has served as a lawyer specializing in international humanitarian law, an advocate and a humanitarian, working with the United Nations to strengthen human rights in conflict-affected regions. At the same time, she has built a reputation as one of the world’s top ultra-endurance athletes. For Stephanie, these paths are not parallel but intertwined. Both demand resilience, courage, and a relentless focus on purpose.
Her non-profit, Free to Run, grew from this connection. Founded on the belief that sport can be a tool for empowerment, the organization has opened doors for thousands of women and girls around the world in some of the most challenging of circumstances. “If I only chose to work on issues that I knew I could solve, I never would have started my own organization,” she reflects. “You have to be willing to show up, even in the face of uncertainty, because you never know what you might achieve.”
Resilience and the Courage to Fail
As a runner, Stephanie knows that endurance is about more than physical strength. In an ultramarathon, “walls” appear again and again, sometimes dozens of times. Each requires a new mindset to break through. She breaks challenges down into manageable pieces: the next checkpoint, the next rock, the next tree.
This same philosophy informs her humanitarian work. “I often speak about having the courage to fail,” she says. “If I only worked where the path to peace and human rights was clear, I would never have made an impact. The value is in showing up, even when success is uncertain.”
Purpose at the Centre
Stephanie doesn’t see setbacks as exceptions. She sees them as part of the journey. Whether it’s political instability on a mission or a thunderstorm in the middle of a race, she focuses on what she can control and shifts her strategy.
“I don’t measure success by how closely I stick to a certain path,” she explains. “I measure it by whether I remain focused on my ultimate goal. Keeping my purpose, my why, at the center of whatever I do keeps me on track.”
The Power of Community
Community is woven into everything Stephanie does. She recalls the words of Gloria Vanderbilt: “We are not put on this earth to see through one another. We are put on this earth to see one another through.”
That perspective fuels her commitment to mentorship, advocacy, and building spaces where others can thrive. “I’ve learned so much about strength and conviction from those around me. It’s my responsibility to give back and create opportunities for others to grow.”
Balancing Self-Care with High-Stakes Work
Balancing life as a humanitarian and ultrarunner requires careful attention to both body and mind. Running provides stress relief after long days. Her humanitarian work gives perspective that fuels her through the darkest moments on the trail.
“It’s a very symbiotic relationship,” she says. “I don’t think I could do one without the other.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Stephanie’s guidance for anyone hoping to combine passion with impact is simple: start. “If the desire is there, make the jump,” she says. “I dare you to find me one person who has followed their passion and purpose and regretted it.”
She also reminds us that global impact often starts locally. “While it might seem alluring to want to make an impact on a global stage, there are very worthy causes you can take on right in your own backyard. Sometimes the biggest changes begin with the simplest initiatives at home.”
Living Beyond Comfort
Stephanie Case’s life is a testament to resilience, courage, and purpose. From courtrooms to mountain trails, she shows that leadership isn’t about avoiding uncertainty, it’s about stepping into it. In doing so, she has built a legacy that inspires others to push beyond the limits of what feels possible.
Hear Stephanie speak on the topic Tenacity’s Fundamental Role in Company Culture at HRXchange 2025, an event for seasoned HR professionals co-hosted by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) and Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR Canada) with Title Sponsor EY.