ALBAWABA - As the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons, Jasmin Paris of the UK has made history in the ultrarunning community with this incredible accomplishment. Paris became the fifth finisher of the race this year and the first woman to do so in the 38-year history of the marathon when she crossed the finish line at Frozen Head.
The Barkley Marathons have a stringent 60-hour time limit and are renowned for their challenging route that consists of five 20-mile loops with significant elevation gain. Paris finished the rigorous course in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds, with barely two minutes remaining.
This year's select group of finishers includes Greig Hamilton of New Zealand, Jared Campbell, and John Kelly in addition to Paris. As the first Canadian and Ukrainian to reach this milestone, Ihor Verys of Canada also finished the race. It took Verys 58 hours, 44 minutes, and 59 seconds to complete the race.
But not every competitor succeeded in overcoming the Barkley challenge. Sébastien Raichon of France and Damian Hall of the UK were unable to finish the fifth loop.
Paris's path to Barkley success started with her prior endeavors, where she was awarded "Fun Runs" in 2022 and 2023. Her incredible triumph expands on her already distinguished running career, which included her victory in the 2019 Montane Spine Race in Britain.
Renowned for its harsh terrain and stringent regulations, the Barkley Marathons never fail to enthrall ultra-runners as they push the limits of their endurance and tenacity.
There were an unprecedented number of finishers in this year's event, and Paris's historic accomplishment highlighted the tenacity and will of female ultrarunners.
