A British runner has made history by becoming the first woman to finish one of the world’s hardest ultramarathons.
Jasmin Paris from Midlothian completed the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee with just one minute 39 seconds to spare of the 60-hour cut off.
Thousands of supporters watched the race on social media as she made her nail-biting finish on Friday.
She was so exhausted she slumped to the ground after finishing the race which is inspired by a famous prison escape.
The course, at Frozen Head State Park, changes every year but covers 100 miles involving 60,000ft of climb and descent – about twice the height of the Mount Everest.
Only 20 people have ever made it to the end of the race within the allotted 60 hours since it was extended to 100 miles in 1989.
The 40-year-old vet had to navigate through extreme and often pathless terrain, continuing to run through the night.
Pictures show her legs scratched from pushing through sharp bushes and scrub in dense forest on steep slopes.
She has said previously: “Barkley Marathons is a truly unique challenge, and the idea of running it has been growing on me for the last few years.
“(I feel) a mixture of excitement and nerves. I know it’s going to be very hard, possibly impossible, but at the same time that’s what makes me want to run it.”
David Miller, a professional photographer at the race, told BBC Scotland he had witnessed the “greatest ultramarathon achievement of all time”.
“There was a lot of anticipation at the finish line and three minutes before the 60 hour cut off we heard shouting and a roar and it was people cheering Jasmin on.
Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-68643341
