Robyn Benincasa is an American adventure racer, firefighter, author, and motivational speaker. She was a member of Team Eco-Internet, which won the 2000 Eco-Challenge: The Expedition Race in Borneo.Anderson, Kelli (November 12, 2001). "You Snooze, You Lose". Sports Illustrated. Vol. 95, no. 19. p. A6. She is also the founder of the Project Athena Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports people recovering from medical or traumatic setbacks through endurance-based events.Clarke, Erika (April 21, 2015). "CNN Heroes: Helping women recover through athletic adventures". CNN. Retrieved November 26, 2025.
Early life and education
Benincasa competed in several sports while growing up, including gymnastics, diving, track, and cross-country running."Robyn Benincasa -- Firefighter & Adventure Racer". Hip Resurfacing Site. August 29, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2025. She attended Arizona State University, where she competed as a springboard diver.
After college, Benincasa worked in pharmaceutical sales while training for endurance competitions, including Ironman triathlons.
Firefighting career
Benincasa later joined the San Diego Fire Department as a firefighter. Her firefighting career overlapped with her participation in endurance events and adventure racing.Windh, Jacqueline (December 2009). "Robyn Benincasa". Runner's World. Vol. 44, no. 12. p. 60.
Athletic career
Adventure racing
Benincasa competed in expedition-length adventure races during the 1990s and 2000s. In 1995, she was part of an all-female team that completed the Raid Gauloises, an international adventure race involving disciplines such as trekking, mountain biking, paddling, and navigation.Lee, Janet (March 1995). "And what did you do on your vacation?". Women's Sports & Fitness. Vol. 17, no. 2. p. 28. ISSN 8750-653X.
She later competed in the Eco-Challenge series. In 2000, Benincasa was part of Team Eco-Internet, which won the Eco-Challenge event held in Borneo.
Triathlon and endurance events
Before becoming widely associated with adventure racing, Benincasa participated in long-distance triathlons, including Ironman competitions.
Health and recovery
In 2007, Benincasa was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips and underwent hip resurfacing surgery. Her recovery from surgery later became part of the background for her work with the Project Athena Foundation.
Project Athena Foundation
Benincasa founded the Project Athena Foundation in 2007. The organization helps people who have experienced medical or traumatic setbacks prepare for and complete endurance challenges.
CNN reported that the foundation supported participants through activities such as hiking, paddling, and other outdoor endurance events. In 2014, CNN named Benincasa a CNN Hero for her work with the organization.
Writing and speaking
Benincasa is the author of How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth, published in 2012.Benincasa, Robyn (2012). How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth. Don Mills, Ontario: Harlequin Enterprises. ISBN 978-0-373-89255-6. OCLC 754389902. The book draws on her experience in adventure racing and team-based endurance events.
She has also worked as a motivational speaker, with presentations focused on teamwork and leadership.
Selected bibliography
Benincasa, Robyn (2012). How Winning Works: 8 Essential Leadership Lessons From the Toughest Teams on Earth. Don Mills, Ontario: Harlequin Enterprises. ISBN 978-0-373-89255-6. OCLC 754389902.
References
External links
Official website Project Athena Foundation