Turia Pitt was in the best shape of her life when she began running an ultra-marathon in the outback of Western Australia. But a sudden grassfire changed everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She and five other runners had made it to a secluded stretch on the 100 kilometer course and became trapped, as the flames spread through the tall, dry brush surrounding them. The sun was relentless and the fire closed in on the small group of athletes, beginning to burn their skin. Exhausted and severely dehydrated, Turia and the others lay there fighting the pain and heat until the sun began to set. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With evening, came the sound of a rescue helicopter searching above the small and now desperate group. The pilot had bravely navigated a difficult gorge to find and save the runners and transport them to the hospital. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was there that twenty-four year old Turia Pitt received emergency care and devastating news. In the fire she had suffered severe burns to 65% of her skin, lost seven fingers, and was told she would likely never run\u2014or even walk\u2014again. But Turia had her own plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
*Interview includes expletives*<\/p>\n\n\n\n