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Only one women has ever finished the Barkley Marathons since it started in 1986 - Jasmin Paris

Jasmin Paris cemented her place in ultrarunning history by becoming the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons in 2024. Known for her endurance and mental toughness, Paris completed the brutal 100-mile course in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds, finishing with just 99 seconds to spare.

A seasoned ultrarunner and former winner of the Spine Race, she battled extreme terrain, sleep deprivation, and navigation challenges to achieve this groundbreaking feat. Her success not only shattered barriers but also proved that women can conquer one of the toughest endurance events ever devised, inspiring runners worldwide.

The Barkley Marathons often called the hardest foot race on the planet has long been a symbol of ultimate endurance in the ultrarunning community Established in 1986 this grueling event challenges participants to complete five approximately 20 mile loops totaling around 100 miles within a 60 hour limit Historically the race has seen a minuscule completion rate with only 15 different individuals finishing between 1986 and 2022

A Surge in Finishers

The 2023 edition marked a significant shift Three runners Aurelien Sanchez John Kelly and Karel Sabbe successfully completed the course Kelly who had previously finished in 2017 was joined by Sanchez a debutant and Sabbe who had come close in prior attempts This uptick in completions prompted discussions about the race’s evolving difficulty

The trend continued in 2024 with an unprecedented five finishers

• John Kelly Secured his third completion reinforcing his status among elite ultrarunners

• Jared Campbell Achieved a remarkable fourth finish showcasing enduring resilience

• Ihor Verys A newcomer who defied expectations with a successful debut

• Greig Hamilton Demonstrated exceptional endurance to join the finishers ranks

• Jasmin Paris Made history as the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons finishing with just 99 seconds to spare

Paris’s groundbreaking achievement garnered international attention highlighting both her personal triumph and a potential shift in the race’s perceived difficulty

Anticipating the 2025 Edition

The exact date for the 2025 Barkley Marathons remains undisclosed adhering to the event’s tradition of secrecy Historically the race occurs between mid March and early April often aligning with April Fools Day Participants typically receive a 12 hour notice before the start signaled by the blowing of a conch shell by race director Gary Lazarus Lake Cantrell

In light of the recent increase in finishers Cantrell has hinted at making the 2025 course more challenging While specific changes have not been confirmed the goal is to restore the race’s notorious difficulty potentially reducing the number of successful completions

The Barkleys Enduring Challenge

Despite the recent surge in finishers the Barkley Marathons remains an extreme test of endurance navigation and mental fortitude Each year approximately 40 runners are selected to face the unpredictable course with the vast majority unable to complete it As the 2025 edition approaches the ultrarunning community eagerly awaits to see how the race will evolve and who if anyone will overcome its relentless challenges