The ultra runner who shatters gender stereotypes
Jasmine Paris made history in 2024, achieving what no woman had ever done before. She became the first female athlete to complete the Barkley Marathons.
The Barkley Marathons is a notoriously challenging ultramarathon that takes place every year in Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County, Tennessee. It is known as "The Race That Eats Its Young" with most runners beaten by five consecutive 20+ mile loops.
Since the race first began in 1986, only 20 people had ever finished and, until this year, those finishers were all men.
Paris, a 40-year-old mother and lecturer in Veterinary Studies at Edinburgh University, already had a strong track record in endurance running. In 2019, she became the first woman to triumph at the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, which takes place in the UK - which she famously won despite stopping to breastfeed her daughter. Her toughness was demonstrated in training, during long morning runs in the cold Scottish weather.
The Barkley Marathons were an altogether different proposition, however. She had previously attempted them on two previous occasions. This year, she completed all 100 laps unmarked, including circa 65,000 feet of elevation gain, clocking a time of 59:58:21 - barely 99 seconds within the 60-hour limit. She crossed the line exhausted, but aware that she had made history.
Her story is one that will inspire women around the world to find the confidence and belief to reach similar heights in endurance. If you think you have what it takes to complete an ultramarathon, contact ultra running coach Maximum Mileage Coaching today for specialised running tips.
