British Mum Becomes First Woman Ever To Complete World’s Toughest Ultra Marathon

By: Gyang Dakwo

A British mum has made history by becoming the first woman to complete what is said to be one of the hardest ultra marathons in the world.

Jasmin Paris, 40, from Midlothian, Scotland, crossed the finish line at the Barkley Marathons event in Tennessee after running day and night for 59 hours, 58 minutes and 21 seconds.

The mother of two’s time was just one minute and 39 seconds ahead of the gruelling event’s 60-hour cut-off point.

Paris, who works as a vet, slumped to the ground after completing the course at Frozen Head State Park.

The route changes each year, but measures 100 miles and includes a 60,000ft climb and descent, about twice the height of Mount Everest.

Since the length of the course was extended in 1989, only 20 people have made it to the end inside of the 60-hour time limit.

Barkley’s course was masterminded by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell and Karl Henn. The idea was inspired by the 1977 escape of Martin Luther King Jr assassin James Earl Ray from nearby Brushy Mountain State Prison.