Jasmin Paris, a 40-year-old senior veterinary lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, made history by becoming the first woman ever to complete an ultramarathon. However, her remarkable achievement was not without its challenges, as she revealed experiencing hallucinations during the grueling race.
Taking place in Tennessee, Jasmin conquered the daunting 100-mile ultramarathon in under 60 hours. This feat is particularly impressive considering the brutal conditions of the Barkley Marathons, held in Frozen Head State Park. Since its inception in 1989, only 20 individuals have managed to finish the course out of over 1,000 participants.
The Barkley Marathons span 100 miles and feature a staggering 16,500 meters of elevation gain, akin to climbing Everest twice. Completing the course within the strict 60-hour time limit is a monumental task, pushing athletes to their physical and mental limits.
Jasmin crossed the finish line with just 99 seconds to spare, completing the challenge in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds. Reflecting on her experience, she recounted the treacherous terrain, including steep slopes and overgrown mining sections that left her legs battered and bruised.
Sleep deprivation further compounded the ordeal, with participants allowed only a brief three-minute power nap before the final five loops. Jasmin attributed her hallucinations to the combination of physical exhaustion and sleep deprivation, describing encounters with imaginary figures and animal-shaped trees.
Despite the immense difficulty, Jasmin’s determination and perseverance saw her through. This wasn’t her first ultramarathon attempt, having tackled the Barkley Marathons twice before. She described it as the toughest challenge she had ever faced, needing a significant recovery period afterward due to oxygen deficiency.
During the race, Jasmin relied on a variety of foods to sustain her energy, including bananas, cheese and pickle sandwiches, pizza, frittata, Snickers, and flapjacks. Looking ahead, her next endeavor is the Scottish Island Peaks race in May, combining running and sailing in another test of endurance and resilience.
