Search
RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Nicky Spinks refutes ‘Human Sacrifice’ tag at Barkley Marathons

Nicky Spinks refutes ‘Human Sacrifice’ tag at Barkley Marathons

Tomos Land
Staff Reporter
Published on

Nicky Spinks brushed off any suggestion that she was the ‘Human Sacrifice’ at the Barkley Marathons as she made it round the first loop of the iconic race.

The former Bob Graham round women’s record holder was given the number one bib for the event – whilst this is typically considered a privilege, it has an entirely different meaning in the craziest race in the world.

The bib is normally awarded to whichever athlete race director Lazarus Lake believes to be most unlikely to finish even a single loop.

It was an unusual choice by Lake given Spinks’ incredible achievements in ultra running, but regardless, she used it as fuel for the challenge.

Advertisement

“Brilliant first loop”

On Instagram after the race, the 55-year-old British runner reflected on her second time at the Barkley, and despite missing the cut off for the second loop, she enjoyed her experience in Tennessee.

“I’ve had a fantastic time in Frozen Head State Park at the Barkley Marathons. Teamed up with Eoin Keith and Billy Reed,” she wrote.

“Brilliant first loop proved I wasn’t the Human Sacrifice No 1.

Spinks, who made it to loop two in her first attempt in 2019, made sure she would go out for a second loop this year, and was one of 31 runners out of the starting 40 who made it round within the cut-off time.

However, once again it wasn’t to be on the second loop for Spinks, who missed the cut-off time and subsequently an attempt at a three-loop “fun run” along with Eoin Keith, Billy Reed and Tom Hollins, whom she had teamed up with in a talented quartet.

“Second loop in the dark with Eoin’s nav spot on. Me and Billy remembering stuff and Tom Hollins scouting like an excited puppy. But so tough ACW we didn’t make the cut off. Really loved my second time here.”

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.

Latest Running News

Jim Walmsley Kilian Jornet Vincent Bouillard Chianti Trail by UTMB 2025 photo credit UTMB World Series
Statement win for Jim Walmsley over Kilian Jornet in Chianti battle between last three UTMB winners
TCS London Marathon 2024 finisher celebration
What is a good London Marathon finish time?
London Marathon 2024 crowded runners shot blur effect photo credit TCS London Marathon
76-year-old marathon World Record holder has the VO2 Max of a 20-year-old
barkley marathons gate 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Iconic ‘Do Not Block Gate’ Barkley Marathons sign could be auctioned
John Kelly day 2 Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Barkley Marathons 2025: NO finishers but John Kelly gets ‘Fun Run’ consolation
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...