Jasmin Paris is no stranger to shattering expectations. At 40, this Scottish veterinarian, university researcher, and mother of two has just added another extraordinary achievement to her resume: becoming the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, widely regarded as one of the toughest ultra-trail races in the world. Covering 160 kilometers of rugged terrain with over 20,000 meters of elevation gain, Jasmin crossed the finish line in an astounding 59 hours and 58 minutes.
Breaking Barriers at the Barkley
Set in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park, the Barkley Marathons is notorious for its brutal course. Runners must complete five 32-kilometer loops within a 60-hour time limit, navigating steep climbs and dense forests—all without the aid of GPS or external assistance. Participants rely solely on a map and compass, and sleep is often a luxury they can’t afford. Since its inception in 1986, only a handful of runners have ever finished the race. Until now, no woman had succeeded.
“It’s the hardest challenge I’ve ever faced,” Jasmin admits. “It took me three years to prepare for this moment.” Her journey to the finish line included two previous attempts, each bringing her closer to success. This year, driven by sheer determination, she proved that women are more than capable of conquering this grueling test of endurance.
Balancing Motherhood, Work, and Training
Juggling her career as a veterinarian and raising two children, aged three and six, Jasmin’s life is a masterclass in multitasking. She trains six days a week, often starting her runs as early as 5:30 a.m. to fit them into her demanding schedule. Weekends are reserved for longer runs, averaging three to five hours, so she can spend the rest of the day with her family.
“Running is my escape,” she shares. “It’s my time to be outdoors, away from the pressures of work and parenting. It makes me a better mother and a happier, more focused person overall.” This balance, she believes, has been key to her success both on and off the trails.
Overcoming Physical and Mental Hurdles
The Barkley’s unforgiving conditions pushed Jasmin to her limits. On the final loop, she developed severe tendinitis in her left leg. “The pain was intense, but I forced myself to ignore it,” she says. “I couldn’t afford to slow down with so little time left.”
Sleep deprivation added another layer of difficulty. By the second night, Jasmin began experiencing hallucinations, mistaking piles of leaves for animals. However, months of rigorous training had prepared her for such moments. Her mental resilience, honed through countless hours of night runs and climbing steep hills in harsh weather, proved invaluable.
The Joy of Running
For Jasmin, the allure of ultra-trail running goes beyond competition. “The mountains bring me so much joy,” she explains. “I love hearing the wind in the trees, the chirping of birds—it’s pure happiness. I don’t even listen to music when I run because I want to be fully present in nature.”
This deep connection to the outdoors fuels her passion and keeps her grounded, even during the most challenging races.
A Victory for Women Everywhere
Crossing the finish line wasn’t just a personal triumph for Jasmin; it was a groundbreaking moment for women in endurance sports. “Some people said it couldn’t be done,” she reflects. “I’m proud to have proven them wrong, not just for myself but for women everywhere.”
Her achievement has inspired countless others, showing that determination, preparation, and passion can break down even the toughest barriers. As she continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, Jasmin Paris remains a shining example of resilience and grit in the world of ultra-trail running.
