Samantha Gash

Samantha Gash

Ultra-marathon runner  |  Adventure Athlete  |  Speaker  |  Podcast Host  |  Social Impact Champion & Mum  |  Virtual Speaker
Other info

Speaker fees: We're not able to provide this information on the website. Please call us on 02 8068 0003 for more information.

Travel: Samantha Gash travels from Melbourne.

About Samantha

“She has led teams in feats of endurance through some of the most extreme and inhospitable locations on the planet, where things rarely go to plan and agility is the name of the game....”

Nothing can stop Samantha Gash armed with the philosophy, if you want something you’ve never had – you must be willing to do something you’ve never done. She’s an inspiring speaker and change agent – having raised over $1.4 million for charities.

An accomplished lawyer working for the largest international law firm in the world, Samantha traded in her heels for running shoes and went out to change the world through highly collaborative social impact campaigns. With true grit, unrelenting focus and the willingness to create the next best plan in the face of chaos and change, she has created lasting impact.

Samantha was the first woman and the youngest person at the time, to complete the Four Deserts Grand Slam – one of the world’s toughest endurance competitions that spans 1000kms across the hottest, coldest, driest and windiest deserts on earth.

After years of pushing her mental and physical boundaries she now uses running as a vehicle for social change through advocacy; peer to peer fundraising and integrated digital campaigns. Sam has now raised $1.4 million dollars for charities through running & social impact campaigns.

In 2016, she became a Goodwill Ambassador for World Vision and used her growing platform and endurance experience to raise awareness of the barriers to quality education for Indian children. 3200kms, 77 days and $150K later, she did just that.

In 2014, Samantha co-founded Freedom Runners – an initiative that combined a fundraising and awareness campaign around the high cost of feminine hygiene products for women in Sub-Saharan Africa and its link to female absenteeism in school. Over 32 days she ran 1,968kms across South Africa’s rugged Freedom Trail, navigating her way through river crossings, mountain ranges, thick bamboo and wildlife. $55K was raised for a Save the Children initiative.

She is featured in two award winning documentaries – Desert Runners and Run India; was a delegate for the Australia and India Youth Dialogue conference; has a publishing contract with Macmillan; is a Global Ambassador for Lululemon; is a Pride of Australia nominee and finalist in the Women’s Agenda leadership awards in the Agenda Setter and Inspirational Leaders category. Samantha met her husband Mark Wales (former SAS Troop Commander) on the set of Australian Survivor in 2017. They now have a 2 year old called Harry

Samantha & her husband took part in Bear Grylls new 10-part series on Amazon Prime called ‘The World’s Toughest Race’. A 700km extreme adventure race in Fiji that took place in 2019 where Samantha led a team of three men.

In 2020 Samantha launched:

  • The Relief Run campaign

– a virtual run supporting the Australian Red Cross bushfire relief efforts. Utilising social media and an e-commerce platform, she raised over $1 million dollars in 12 days from 19,000 registered participants in 67 countries on every continent in the planet.

  • The Samantha Gash Podcast

-hosting conversations with global rule breakers, trail blazers – those who pave their own lane & socially contribute. In four months, it has had over 33,000 downloads and guests include: Daniel MacPherson, Emelie Forsberg, Mark Healey, Dean Karnazes, James Lawrence, Nick Butter & Ray Zahab.

  • Youtube Channel

-a hub for inspiration, running insights, mindset strategies and adventure tips.

What people say about Samantha

“It is very refreshing to hear someone speak so clearly and authentically about taking on extraordinary challenges. Samantha spoke without hesitation about her passion to make a difference and was compelling and inspiring. Her aim to make an impact on women’s lives in Africa while creating employment is at once creative and meaningful. Samantha’s talk did not fail to connect. Her feats, this purpose and the way she connects, means time with Samantha Gash is very worthwhile. “

– NAB Asset Management

‘’Samantha, I was so proud to hear how you touched peoples lives, so much so that we took a collection around the room and raised $600 for your cause – Freedom Runners’’

– AMP | Strategy & Transformation Group

“Sam delivered a brilliant and inspiring presentation. She was powerful and passionate, and delivered a strong message of courage and determination. Sam’s story of personal achievement and commitment to constant never-ending improvement was the perfect empowerment for our team. Her ability to uplift an entire audience was enlightening, and everyone was thoroughly captivated by Sam’s amazing story’’

– Enzumo

”Samantha was a keynote speaker at the Mindful in May launch and inspired the audience with her story and passion. Not only is she an inspiring speaker she is also a warm and generous person who brings brightness into the room”

– Mindful In May

‘’Samantha’s story isauthentic, moving and inspirational. Her delivery was heartfelt and honest and had attendees glued to their seats. Samantha’s energy, positivity and passion is infectious and left the audience inspired by what can be achieved with determination, motivation and pushing yourself beyond where you thought you could not go’’.

– Bankwest Executive General Manager, Retail

“Samantha is an outstanding speaker – articulate, passionate and able to quickly relate to her audience through her inspiring personal journey from lawyer to extreme athlete and community fundraiser. She would be a great addition to any motivational forum.”

– Save the Children Australia

I had the absolute pleasure of working with Samantha Gash on our flagship Business Forum conference. Sam is such a dynamic and engaging speaker that we were very lucky to have on our stage. Over 80% of the session feedback rated Sam as outstanding. Sam’s story is so amazing and resonated with our audience, many of whom were members in business at the C-suite level. I have never seen so much immediate positive feedback after Sam’s session, it left delegates feeling moved and inspired – and most importantly, actionable suggestions – on how to implement these valuable life lessons in corporate life.

– Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

Samantha's books

Amazon Prime Video – WORLD’S TOUGHEST RACE: ECO CHALLENGE FIJI

Amazon Prime Video – WORLD’S TOUGHEST RACE: ECO CHALLENGE FIJI

Race facts:

671km, 66 teams  from 30 countries

350+ athletes 700+ crew members.

“The most gruelling competition known to man”

From the creator of Survivor, and over 10 episodes, 66 teams descend upon Fiji to compete in the most epic global adventure race ever attempted. Bear Grylls hosts this 11-day expedition, over mountains, jungles, rivers, oceans, and swamp, that pushes competitors to their physical and emotional limits

For the veteran teams the goal is to win – but for most, the dream is to finish and prove to themselves and the world, that they can prevail in the World’s Toughest Race.

Samantha & Mark appear on Team Aussie Rescue and Sam is the leader of 3 men.

Samantha is a trailblazing endurance athlete, social impact entrepreneur and inspiring change leader with a focus on resilience.

Former SAS Troop Commander, Mark, is on a mission to educate others on leadership, strategy and peak performance whilst under stress.

Watch Amazon Prime Video on Friday, 14 August 2020 and follow their journey.