Known as one of the world’s hardest and most secretive races, the Barkley Marathons have eluded hundreds of participants in the past — so much so that it isn’t unusual for no one to cross the finish line.
But last week, a record five runners, including the first woman and the first Canadian, completed the 160-kilometre course through Tennessee woodlands.
Ukrainian-Canadian Ihor Verys won with a time of 58 hours, 44 minutes and 59 seconds.
“The Barkley Marathon is an ultimate endurance challenge … and every single loop is non-stop. There’s no aid stations, … there’s no GPS or watches involved,” said Verys, who’s based in Chilliwack, B.C., about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver.
“We were very lucky and fortunate this year with the weather. Usually when it’s foggy there, it’s really hard to navigate.”
Jasmin Paris, from Midlothian, Scotland, about 12 kilometres south of Edinburgh, became the first woman …