Breaking new boundaries: Jasmin in historic Barkley Marathons run

Sunday 24th March 2024

Scottish athlete Jasmin Paris has once again pushed the boundaries of women’s running and ultra marathons.

The mum from Midlothian became the first woman to finish one of the world’s toughest events.

Jasmin completed the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee with just one minute 39 seconds to spare of the 60-hour cut off.

The course, at Frozen Head State Park, changes every year but covers 100 miles involving 60,000ft of climb and descent – about twice the height of the Mount Everest.

Only 20 people have ever made it to the end of the race within the allotted 60 hours since it was extended to 100 miles in 1989.

The 40-year-old vet had to navigate through extreme and often pathless terrain, continuing to run through the night.

Jasmin has said previously: ‘Barkley Marathons is a truly unique challenge, and the idea of running it has been growing on me for the last few years.

‘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.’

Thousands of supporters watched the race on social media as she made her nail-biting finish. She was so exhausted she slumped to the ground after finishing the race which is inspired by a famous prison escape.