Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Tears and emotion from behind the lens when capturing Jasmin Paris’ iconic Barkley moment

Tears and emotion from behind the lens when capturing Jasmin Paris’ iconic Barkley moment

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

The photos of Jasmin Paris becoming the first woman to finish the infamous Barkley Marathons already look like becoming iconic sporting images.

She reached the famed yellow gate, which marks the end of the gruelling 100-mile test around Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, with just 99 seconds to spare of the allotted 60 hours.

First slumped over the gate itself and then on the ground beside it, the sheer effort and willpower required was brutally evident.

Advertisement

‘She’s broken the cycle’

And David Miller, the award-winning photographer who we chatted to in the build-up to the Barkley, was right there to capture the moment – and witness something very special at the same time.

Many of David’s images feature on our Barkley coverage and speaking to BBC Scotland earlier today he called Paris’ feat the “greatest ultramarathon achievement of all time”.

Advertisement

No room for error

And he explained just how tense the atmosphere was on the ground as it went right down to the wire, saying: “There was a lot of anticipation at the finish line, and three minutes before the 60-hour cut-off, we heard shouting and a roar, and it was people cheering Jasmin on.

“She was sprinting and giving it her all as there was no room for error because otherwise she would not have made the cut-off.

“She touched the gate and collapsed in exhaustion. It was the best thing I have ever seen, it was unbelievable.

“Obviously I was very focussed on trying to capture Jasmin and a moment in history but at the same time I could feel a tear behind the lens because it was such an emotional moment.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
‘My running dissertation’ – John Kelly primed for epic 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail attempt
Alex Yee Eliud Kipchoge Coros meeting post London Marathon 2 photo credit COROS
Alex Yee on meeting his idol Eliud Kipchoge and getting kudos from Kilian Jornet after marathon debut
Jack Scott crosses finish line Montane Winter Spine Race 2024
‘A low point, I won’t forget’ – British ultrarunning star on missed Cocodona 250 opportunity
Eliud Kipchoge London Marathon 2025
Marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge backs Brit’s world record attempt to cross Australia
Courtney Dauwalter winning the UTMB 2023
Ultrarunning GOAT Courtney Dauwalter reveals reason for Cocodona 250 DNF
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...