Jasmin Paris, a British ultrarunner, has become the first woman to complete the notorious Barkley Marathons race in Tennessee. The 40-year-old was one of only five runners who finished this year’s event, which consisted of five punishing 20-mile loops around Frozen Head State Park. Paris finished in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds, or 99 seconds under the 60-hour time limit.
Who is British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris?
Paris made headlines in 2019 when she won the Montane Spine Race on the Pennine Way in Northern England, breaking the mixed-sex course record by 12 hours. She made more history in the United States on Friday, joining the ranks of 20 competitors who have completed the event since it was expanded to 100 miles in 1989.
Ihor Verys, a Ukrainian runner based in Canada, finished in the fastest time of 58 hours, 44 minutes, and 59 seconds. Americans John Kelly and Jared Campbell finished the race for the third and fourth time, respectively, while Greig Hamilton of New Zealand also beat the cut-off time.
Campbell also appeared to offer Paris the option of taking the final loop clockwise – which is generally considered slightly less difficult – as the remaining competitors camped out before the final stage.
Paris, who has two children and works as a veterinarian and research scientist in Edinburgh, first participated in the Barkley Marathons in 2022, completing three loops. In last year’s race, she finished a fourth loop but ran over the time limit.
The Barkley Marathons, also known as ‘the race that eats it’s young’, are regarded as one of the world’s most difficult ultramarathons. While the woodland route varies from year to year, it is estimated to include 16,500m (54,000 feet) of vertical climb and descent.