Jasmin Paris Makes History as First Female Finisher of Barkley Marathons, with Only Seconds to Spare
Witness Jasmin Paris's groundbreaking achievement as she becomes the inaugural female runner to complete the renowned Barkley Marathons, narrowly beating the time limit.
British runner Jasmin Paris made history on Friday by becoming the first woman to complete the challenging Barkley Marathons. According to Keith Dunn, who shares race updates on X (previously known as Twitter), Paris crossed the finish line after 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds - a mere 99 seconds before the 60-hour time limit.
Aurélien Sanchez was one of three finishers at this year's Barkley Marathons
Aurélien Sanchez was one of three finishers at this year's Barkley Marathons
Alexandre Ricaud
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Only a few individuals have managed to complete the challenging Barkley Marathons. Aurélien Sanchez joined this elite group after enjoying cheeseburgers and taking a power nap during the race.
At 40 years old, Aurélien Sanchez, a veterinarian, was captured in a photo collapsing at the finish line after successfully finishing the marathon.
Paris participated in the 2024 Barkley Marathons and was one of the five finishers. Ukrainian Ihor Verys finished first, followed by Americans John Kelly and Jared Campbell in second and third place, and Greig Hamilton from New Zealand finishing fourth.
After finishing with a time of 58:44:59, Verys suggested to Dunn, "Maybe you should add a sixth loop."
Conversely, Campbell – who completed the Barkley Marathons for the fourth time with a time of 59:30:32 – said: “That new section is brutal. You are a bad man.”
Paris made history in 2019 by winning the 268-mile Spine Race, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat and breaking the previous record by 12 hours.
The Barkley Marathons is renowned for its extreme difficulty, often considered the toughest and most brutal foot race globally.
The Barkley Marathons, a well-known ultramarathon, was created by runner Gary Cantrell and is held in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. The idea for the challenging route was sparked by the 1977 escape of James Earl Ray, the man who assassinated Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Ray managed to travel a mere eight miles in just over two days after breaking out of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary before being caught again. This inspired Cantrell to think about covering 100 miles in the same timeframe.
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The route is challenging, with steep inclines and tough terrain. However, the real challenge begins with navigating the opaque entry system to secure a spot at the start line.
The race comprises five loops, each around 20 miles long, totaling between 100 to 130 miles. Runners traverse brushy mountains with an elevation gain of approximately 63,000 feet. Participants tackle the course over three days and nights without sleep, with no aid stations, phones, or GPS for assistance. Getting lost and sustaining injuries in the brush are common occurrences during the race.
The ultramarathon features special unmanned checkpoints, each with a paperback book. Participants need to tear out a page matching their bib number and collect all the pages to show they reached every checkpoint at the end of each loop.
The race is known for its challenging course, leading to a low completion rate. From 2017 to 2023, there were no finishers, with a dropout rate of 99%.
Editor's P/S:
Jasmin Paris's historic achievement in the Barkley Marathons is a testament to the indomitable spirit of human endurance. Her victory is not only a personal triumph but an inspiration to aspiring athletes and women everywhere. The Barkley Marathons' reputation as the "toughest foot race globally" underscores the extraordinary physical and mental fortitude required to complete it. Paris's success in navigating the challenging course without aid or GPS speaks volumes about her tenacity and determination.
The Barkley Marathons' unique entry system and unmanned checkpoints add to its mystique and allure. The race's organizers strive to preserve its wild and unpredictable nature, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among participants. The absence of aid stations and the reliance on self-sufficiency challenge runners to push their limits and rely on their instincts. The race's emphasis on collecting book pages as proof of checkpoint visits adds an element of authenticity and tradition, paying homage to the race's origins. human endurance and a reminder that even the most formidable obstacles can be overcome with unwavering determination and an indomitable spirit.
