Susan O’ Brien was taking part in a 20 km race when she lost her bearings and struggled to reacquaint herself with the race route.
Realising she may not be discovered for hours, the 29-year-old mum said she dug a hole in the earth which she sat in to keep warm and survived on breast milk in addition to bottled water she had on her person.
Revealing that she didn’t think she would last the night, the young woman, who works as a personal fitness trainer and gym instructor, was located after race officials raised the alarm that one of the competitors hadn't completed the route.
After a search which involved 20 members of the police force in addition to search and rescue volunteers, Susan was airlifted out of the forest the following morning and told reporters: "I definitely thought I was going to die.”
Revealing she had decided to make use of her own breast milk, the young mum said: “I’m breastfeeding my baby so I had a bit of milk, which I thought, that should help me keep going.”
Having been reunited with her children 24 hours after she initially set off, the relived mother insists the experience will not stop her from participating in events of a similar nature.
Commenting on Susan's safe return, the mum's family said: "As a family we are extremely relieved and thankful that Susan has been found safe and well."
We're pleased to know the story had such a happy ending
