Jasmin Paris: The Ultra-Running Powerhouse Redefining Endurance
- Diego Tobias
- Jan 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 24
Jasmin Paris is a name synonymous with strength, endurance, and breaking barriers in the world of ultra-running. Known for her record-breaking performances and extraordinary ability to balance competitive running with her professional and personal life, Paris has become one of the most inspiring figures in the sport. From her history-making win at the Montane Spine Race to her standout performances in iconic events like the Barkley Marathons, Jasmin Paris has proven time and again that she is one of the toughest endurance athletes on the planet.
Here’s a closer look at Jasmin Paris’s journey, her accomplishments, and the legacy she’s building in ultra-running.
Who Is Jasmin Paris?
Jasmin Paris was born on November 30, 1983, and grew up in the countryside of England and later Scotland, where her love for running and the outdoors was nurtured. A veterinarian by profession and a researcher in veterinary medicine, Paris balances a demanding career and family life while excelling in one of the world’s most physically and mentally challenging sports.
Paris began running competitively as a student, but her passion for the mountains led her to fell running (a British form of trail running involving steep hills and rugged terrain). Her career gradually evolved into ultra-running, where she gained international recognition.
Major Achievements in Ultra-Running
Jasmin Paris’s list of accomplishments is staggering, both for the sheer difficulty of the races she has conquered and the records she has broken.
1. Barkley Marathons 2023: Defying the Impossible
In 2023, Jasmin Paris became one of the rare few to finish the infamous Barkley Marathons, widely regarded as the hardest ultra-marathon in the world. Taking place in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, the Barkley is a 100+ mile race (closer to 130 miles) over unmarked terrain, with over 60,000 feet of elevation gain and a finishing rate of less than 1%.
Finisher Status: Paris completed all five loops of the Barkley Marathons within the 60-hour time limit, becoming one of the very few women in history to ever finish the race.
Mental and Physical Strength: With no GPS devices, unmarked trails, and sleep deprivation, the Barkley demands unparalleled resilience. Paris’s ability to navigate, strategize, and persevere through brutal terrain and weather conditions cemented her place among the ultra-running elite.
Her success at the Barkley Marathons not only underscored her incredible endurance and mental toughness but also inspired female athletes everywhere to believe in their ability to compete on equal footing in the world’s toughest races.
2. Spine Race 2019: A Legendary Performance
The Montane Spine Race is one of the toughest ultra-endurance races in the world, covering 268 miles along the Pennine Way, with over 40,000 feet of climbing, often in freezing January conditions. Paris made history in 2019 when she:
Won the Race Outright: She became the first woman to win the Spine Race, beating all the men and women in the field.
Set a New Course Record: Paris finished in 83 hours, 12 minutes, breaking the previous record by more than 12 hours.
Juggled Motherhood: In a stunning display of resilience, Paris expressed breast milk for her young daughter at checkpoints during the race.
This performance brought her global fame, as it highlighted not only her physical and mental strength but also her ability to balance family life with competitive ultra-running.
3. Bob Graham Round Record
In 2016, Jasmin Paris broke the record for the Bob Graham Round, one of Britain’s most iconic fell running challenges. The route involves running 66 miles and summiting 42 peaks in England’s Lake District within 24 hours.
Her Time: Paris finished in 15 hours, 24 minutes, smashing the previous women’s record by over 2 hours and setting a mark that still stands today.
Significance: The Bob Graham Round is considered a rite of passage for fell runners, and her record cemented her status as one of the best mountain runners of all time.
4. Dragon’s Back Race 2015
Paris won the Dragon’s Back Race, a five-day ultra that traverses the spine of Wales. Widely regarded as one of the hardest multi-day stage races in the world, the Dragon’s Back tests runners with brutal climbs, technical terrain, and relentless mileage.
Her Victory: Paris dominated the race, finishing ahead of many seasoned competitors and establishing her reputation as one of the sport’s toughest athletes.
5. International Ultra-Races
Paris has competed and excelled in some of the world’s most prestigious international trail races, including:
Skyrunning World Championships (2016): Gold medalist in the Sky Extreme Series.
Tor des Géants: She has competed in this 330-kilometer race in the Italian Alps, showcasing her ability to tackle some of the most grueling ultras in the world.
What Makes Jasmin Paris Exceptional?
1. Mental Toughness
Paris is renowned for her extraordinary mental strength, which allows her to endure the physical and emotional challenges of ultra-running. Her ability to stay focused and calm, even in harsh weather and extreme fatigue, sets her apart from her competitors.
2. Versatility
Whether it’s shorter fell races or multi-day ultras, Paris excels across a wide range of distances and terrains. Her background in fell running gave her the technical skills and climbing strength to tackle steep, technical routes.
3. Breaking Barriers
Paris has consistently shattered stereotypes about what women can achieve in endurance sports. Her Spine Race victory and Barkley Marathons finish were particularly groundbreaking, showing that women can excel in events that require endurance, mental fortitude, and resilience.
4. Balance and Priorities
One of the most inspiring aspects of Paris’s career is how she balances her professional life, motherhood, and training. Her achievements prove that it’s possible to excel in multiple areas of life with determination and careful time management.
Training and Philosophy
Jasmin Paris’s training is rooted in the rugged landscapes of the UK, where she trains on hills, mountains, and technical trails. Her preparation for races emphasizes the following:
Hill Climbing: Her ability to handle steep ascents and descents is second to none, making her a formidable competitor on technical courses.
Long Days on the Trails: Paris builds endurance through multi-hour training sessions in the mountains.
Consistency Over Mileage: As a busy professional and parent, she emphasizes the importance of consistency over chasing high weekly mileage totals.
Paris’s approach to training also reflects her love for the sport—she enjoys being outdoors and sees running as a way to connect with nature and find balance in her life.
A Role Model for Women in Ultra-Running
Jasmin Paris has become a powerful role model for women in ultra-running and endurance sports. Her achievements have inspired countless women to challenge themselves, whether in running or other aspects of life.
Advocacy for Women’s Participation
Paris has been vocal about the importance of increasing women’s representation in ultra-running and breaking down barriers for female athletes. Her Spine Race victory and Barkley Marathons finish demonstrated that women can compete on equal footing with men in the world’s toughest races.
Legacy and Future
Jasmin Paris’s legacy is already secure as one of the greatest ultra-runners of all time. However, her journey is far from over. She continues to compete, inspire, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
Conclusion: The Inspiration of Jasmin Paris
Jasmin Paris isn’t just an ultra-running champion—she’s a pioneer, a role model, and a trailblazer. From her record-breaking performances on iconic routes to her groundbreaking victories at events like the Spine Race and Barkley Marathons, she has redefined what it means to excel in endurance sports.
Her ability to balance motherhood, a demanding career, and world-class athletic achievements serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, resilience, and a love for what you do, anything is possible. Jasmin Paris is more than a runner—she’s an inspiration for everyone striving to achieve their best, both on and off the trail.