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

Tom Evans salute UTMB win 2025
Tom Evans on the perspective shift and key training session which took him to UTMB glory
Sifan Hassan crosses then line to win the Elite Women’s race at The TCS London Marathon 2023 Photo credit: TCS London Marathon
Sydney Marathon results 2025: Hassan and Kiros star as race joins World Marathon Majors
Courtney Dauwalter UTMB battle 2025 still smiling
GOAT Courtney Dauwalter battles through pain cave to finish brutal UTMB
Ruth Croft wins UTMB 2025
UTMB 2025 women’s results: Ruth Croft makes UTMB history as gutsy Courtney Dauwalter eclipsed
Tom Evans joy UTMB finish line 2025
UTMB 2025 men’s results: Britain’s Tom Evans wins trail running’s biggest race in BRUTAL conditions
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...