For the first time a woman has completed the Barkley Marathons at Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County.
Jasmine Paris, a 40-year-old British veterinarian, finished Friday with just 99 seconds before the 60-hour time limit elapsed.
The Barkley Marathons are limited to just 35 runners who come from around the world to challenge themselves and each other in the grueling mountainous terrain.
The first Barkley race was held in 1986 and was inspired by the 1977 escape of James Earl Ray from Brushy Mountain Prison. Ray only covered 12 miles in about 54 hours. The race today has five loops, covers 100 miles and a 60-hour time limit.
In 2023, Jasmin Paris became the fourth woman to complete the 3 loop ‘Fun Run’ twice and only the second to start the 4th loop.
This year, Paris made history by becoming the first woman to complete all 5 loops with one minute and 39 seconds before the deadline.