Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Jasmin Paris becomes first woman to finish Barkley Marathons – ‘The Race That Eats Its Young’

Jasmin Paris becomes first woman to finish Barkley Marathons – ‘The Race That Eats Its Young’

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

Jasmin Paris made ultrarunning history when she became the first woman to finish the notorious Barkley Marathons at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee.

Until today – and in the 30+ years since the race became a brutal five-loop 100-mile test which features as much elevation as climbing Mount Everest twice – only 17 people, all men, had made it to the end within the allotted 60 hours.

But no woman had previously come closer previously than the mum of two, who is also a vet and research scientist.

She completed what is called a ‘Fun Run’ on her debut in 2022 by getting through three of the loops. And then last year she became the first female since 2001 to embark on a fourth loop.

But this time it was all about trying to go all the way.

Advertisement

How Jasmin Paris’ race panned out

Things had gone relatively smoothly on her third attempt. She was quicker than previously (12 hours is the cut-off for each loop) which all meant that she had not much more than 13 hours to complete the fifth and final loop.

Jasmin Paris climbing Barkley Marathons loop three 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
Jasmin Paris in action at the Barkley Marathons [Photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram]

It was desperately tense waiting for news which, in what must be unique for an incredibly popular sporting event, still comes from one man’s X feed, adding to the whole mystique of the event.

The cut-off in British time was 21:17 on Friday night (5.17pm local time) and just a single minute before that point, Keith Dunn posted: “Jasmin Paris finished loop five of the #BM100 in 59:58:21.”

Advertisement

Kudos to Campbell

And just to add to the achievement which will go down in Barkley legend, there was also an incredible sporting gesture which might just have helped Jasmin achieve her dream. Read more about that here.

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

Lazarus Lake Barkley Marathons
Barkley Marathons genius Laz Lake nearing next finish line in his trek across America
William Goodge
British ultra-runner Will Goodge going for change of pace after record-breaking run across Australia
New Zealand lawyer sets incredible new world record with 500 ultramarathons in 500 days
Stephanie Case wins UTMB Snowdonia 2025 photo credit UTMB
Six months postpartum, breastfeeding en route and no elite bib – yet Stephanie Case STILL WINS Britain’s biggest ultramarathon
William Goodge
British athlete becomes the fastest human to run across Australia EVER with incredible new record
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...