A Baylor Alum’s Journey Across 7 Continents

From the Baylor University Golden Wave Band to the world’s most extreme racecourses, Dr. Ashleigh Tran (BA ’15) continues to push the limits of what’s possible.

A double major in psychology and sociology, Tran found more than academic direction at Baylor — she found a Baylor family that continues to anchor her life today. That sense of community extended to her own family, with her parents cheering as both daughters performed on the BUGWB drumline and a sister now raising two future Bears.

After Baylor, Tran earned a doctorate in cognitive and brain sciences and built a career studying human resilience. In 2025, she put that resilience to the test by completing the Great World Race — seven marathons on seven continents in seven days — finishing as the second-place female overall. She later completed her 10th marathon with a sub-4-hour finish in Dallas.

Today, Tran views running as a living experiment in adaptability, perseverance and the mental skills she began developing at Baylor. “Baylor gave me the foundation for who I am today… someone who believes in challenging herself, supporting others, and carrying the Baylor spirit wherever I go — including across all seven continents."

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