\"The final minutes were so intense; after all that effort, it came down to a sprint uphill, with every fiber of my body screaming at me to stop,\" said Jasmin Paris, moments after collapsing at the iconic yellow gate of the Barkley Marathons finish line. 🏃♀️⛰️
At 40 years old, this British runner, veterinarian, and research scientist—also a mom of two—achieved what many deemed impossible: she became the first woman to ever complete the hellacious Barkley Marathons, one of the world's most grueling ultramarathons. 🎉🙌
What's even more jaw-dropping? She crossed the finish line in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds—just 99 seconds before the 60-hour cut-off! Talk about a photo finish! 📷⏱️
Paris was one of only five ultrarunners to conquer this year's Barkley Marathons, a brutal race covering approximately 160 kilometers with a staggering 60,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. To put that in perspective, that's like climbing up and down Mount Qomolangma—twice! 🏔️😱
Since the race's extension to its current 100-mile distance in 1989, only 20 people have managed to complete it within the time limit. Participants face a Herculean challenge: navigating treacherous, unmarked terrain day and night, with no aid stations except for two water points. It's just them against the wilderness. 🌲🌙
This wasn't Paris's first rodeo. She attempted the Barkley in 2022 and 2023, becoming the first woman since 2001 to reach the fourth lap, but fell short of finishing. This year, she returned with renewed determination. 💪🔥
\"The Barkley Marathons is a truly unique challenge, and the idea of running it has been growing on me for the last few years,\" she shared. \"I feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. I know it's going to be very hard, possibly impossible, but at the same time, that's what makes me want to run it.\"
The Barkley Marathons itself is legendary, created in 1986 by Gary Cantrell and Karl Henn. Inspired by the 1977 prison escape of James Earl Ray, the course changes every year but typically involves five 20-mile loops. Only 35 lucky runners get to enter each year, after submitting a $1.60 entry fee and a heartfelt essay titled \"Why I should be allowed to run in the Barkley.\" Successful applicants receive a quirky letter of condolence. 😅📝
The race can start anytime between midnight and noon, announced by the eerie blow of a conch shell one hour before the kickoff. With no course markings, runners must memorize the route and rely on their wits as they venture into the unknown. 🐚🗺️
Back in 1995, Mark Williams became the first to finish within the 60-hour limit. Brett Maune holds the fastest time of 52 hours, 3 minutes, and 8 seconds, set in 2012. But this year, it's all about Jasmin Paris making history and inspiring runners everywhere. 🌟🥇
Her incredible achievement is a testament to human endurance and the power of sheer determination. Who knows, maybe next year, you'll be inspired to take on your own epic adventure! 😉🔥
Reference(s):
Jasmin Paris first woman to conquer hellacious Barkley Marathons
cgtn.com
