Jasmin Paris has made history by becoming the first woman to complete the formidable Barkley Marathons, widely regarded as the toughest race in the world.
Her remarkable achievement and the challenges she faced, including hallucinations after 60 hours without sleep, have captivated audiences worldwide.
First woman in history to complete planet's toughest race describes hallucinations after 60 hours without no sleep
The Barkley Marathon, which takes place in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, is known for being extremely challenging.
Since it started in 1989, only 20 people out of more than 1,000 have successfully completed the race.
The course covers an astonishing distance of 100 miles and involves climbing 16,500 meters, equivalent to scaling Mount Everest twice.
Participants must finish within a strict 60-hour timeframe, making it even more demanding.
Jasmin Paris, a 40-year-old veterinary teacher at the University of Edinburgh, bravely took on this enormous test.
She pushed herself, tackling dangerous land and facing extreme physical fatigue. Her unwavering resolve and inner strength kept her going.
Amazingly, Jasmin finished the race in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds, a mere 99 seconds before the time limit.
However, the Barkley Marathons presented not only physical obstacles but also mental and sensory challenges.
Due to the demanding time constraints, participants are deprived of sleep, except for a brief three-minute power nap permitted before the final five loops.
This lack of rest greatly affected Jasmin's mind, leading to hallucinations during the race.
Jasmin described her hallucinations during the toughest race
She saw individuals wearing black raincoats climbing the hills alongside her, consistently staying a certain distance ahead.
Furthermore, she noticed animals in the surroundings, like trees that resembled mountain lions, dogs, or even pigs lying down.
These illusions seemed completely real until she got closer to them.
During her incredible journey, the lack of sleep and physical strain had taken a toll on Jasmin's mind, blurring the line between reality and imagination.
Jasmin's journey in the Barkley Marathons was not her first encounter with ultramarathons.
She had attempted this particular race twice before. Reflecting on her experience, she acknowledged the immense difficulty of the challenge, crediting her success to her unwavering determination.
After completing the race, Jasmin found herself physically and mentally exhausted.
The toll on her body was profound, and she needed a few minutes to recover and replenish her oxygen levels.
Despite the hardships faced during the Barkley Marathons, Jasmin has already set her sights on her next venture: the Scottish Island Peaks race, which combines running and sailing and will take place in May.
