In 2017, photographer Colleen Duffley traveled to the Democratic Republic of the Congo to run seven marathons in seven days along the shores of Lake Kivu to raise awareness and funds for female coffee farmers, farming families and cooperatives working toward gender equality in the region. She returned with these images — and a fractured hip, which she says was “a small price to pay.”

Colleen Duffley has been shooting people, places, and things around the globe for 25 years.  She’s worked for national and international magazines, as well as on commercials and ad campaigns. Her images have appeared on the pages of high-end clients such as Neiman Marcus, Volkswagen, India Hicks, British Homes and Gardens, Elle Decor, Met home, Departures Magazine and  American Way. An avid adventurer and athlete, Colleen has competed in two Olympic trials for cycling and has run seven marathons in seven days in the Congo. She jumps out of airplanes, sails, and paddleboards in her spare time.  Visit her website and her Instagram page.