Hey there, trail enthusiasts! Let’s talk about Sabrina Stanley, a name that’s become synonymous with grit and grace in the world of ultramarathons. Growing up in the quaint farming town of Onalaska, Washington, Sabrina’s love for running started with loops along a seven-mile country road near her childhood home. Talk about humble beginnings!
In her 20s, she swapped flat pavement for the rugged trails of Breckenridge, Colorado, and her passion soared to new heights. Inspired by the breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery, she threw her name into the lottery for the Leadville Trail 100 in 2015 at just 25 years old. With barely any ultra experience under her belt, she took on the grueling 100-miler, making it to mile 87 before timing out - but that setback only fueled her fire.
Fast forward to 2016, and Sabrina was back with a vengeance. After dedicating an entire summer to training, she crushed the Leadville Trail 100 in an impressive 22:30:30, snagging fourth place among women. That finish wasn’t just a personal win; it marked the start of her rise as a competitive athlete with sponsorships on the horizon.
Here’s where things get interesting, darling. Trail running, despite its raw beauty, isn’t exactly a goldmine for athletes - even the elites like Sabrina. With travel costs to stunning race locations, coaching fees, and meager prize purses (we’re talking $20,000 max at top events like Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in France), making a living is a real uphill battle.
Traditional sponsorships from sock or nutrition brands help, but they often fall short. Enter OnlyFans, a platform many misunderstand as just risqué content, but for Sabrina, it’s been a game-changer. It’s a space where she can share her journey - from everyday training snaps to breathtaking trail shots - on her terms, free from the censorship female athletes often face elsewhere.
“I’m thrilled to partner with OnlyFans because it’s not just about sponsorship - it’s about freedom to be myself, as an athlete and a woman, without limits,” Sabrina shared with us.
Sabrina hesitated at first, worried about rocking the boat with her then-sponsor Adidas. But last fall, with the nudge of her sports agent, she explored OnlyFans’ athlete program, which supports pros across sports like soccer and surfing with tailored deals. By March 2025, she officially signed on, and let’s just say the athlete community welcomed her with open arms.
What’s so refreshing? The positivity. Unlike the cutthroat vibes in some sports circles, OnlyFans athletes genuinely cheer each other on. Drawing inspo from the empowering Sports Illustrated Body Issue, Sabrina crafted a feed celebrating her athleticism - no shyness here about the body that’s powered her through 100-mile races!
This partnership wasn’t just financial support; it was a new avenue for trail runners to explore beyond shoe brands. Sabrina hoped it would inspire others to seek non-traditional sponsors, proving you can love your gear and still have freedom. Isn’t that a vibe we can all get behind?
Just as Sabrina was hitting her stride with OnlyFans and gearing up for her first race in their branded kit at the Valholl Fin Del Mundo by UTMB in Argentina, life threw a devastating curveball. Days before the event, a sudden hamstring issue forced her to drop out. Then, while training for another race in France, odd symptoms - like needing to pee every mile - hinted something was seriously wrong.
A doctor’s visit, initially for a suspected infection, revealed a massive 12x12x3 cm mass on her left ovary via ultrasound. Initially thought benign, post-surgery tests confirmed stage one ovarian cancer. By July 1, 2025, Sabrina underwent a hysterectomy, only to later learn the cancer might be stage three, requiring chemo starting August 1 through mid-November.
The emotional toll? Immense. At 35, pausing her running career and grappling with menopause (without hormone therapy due to her cancer type) feels surreal. Processing emotions without her usual outlet of running has led to tears, humor, and short hikes - anything to keep her spirits up while navigating this uncharted terrain.
Through this whirlwind, one constant remains: the unwavering support from OnlyFans. From day one of her partnership, Sabrina felt a level of freedom and empathy she hadn’t experienced with past sponsors. Since her diagnosis, they’ve doubled down, giving her the space to focus on treatment without pressure.
There’s a silver lining, too. Sabrina reflects that catching the cancer - likely lingering for years - might mean a healthier, stronger future once she’s past chemo. With two sessions left and promising bloodwork, she’s eyeing a return to training by late November and racing in early 2026. We’re rooting for you, girl!
While she’s still in the thick of her journey and cautious about oversharing on any platform, Sabrina appreciates the support to tell her story on her timeline. OnlyFans isn’t just a sponsor; it’s a community excited for her comeback. And honestly, aren’t we all counting down to see her dominate those trails again?