This is what peak performance looks like! Pictures show exhausted British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris collapsed on the pavement after she became first woman in HISTORY to finish punishing 100-mile long Barkley Marathons

Awe-inspiring photos of British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris show what peak performance looks like, with images of her collapsed on the pavement after completing a punishing 100-mile marathon. 

The 40-year-old veterinarian and research scientist from Edinburgh became the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons race in Tennessee comprising five challenging 20-mile loops across Frozen Head State Park.

Photos show Paris slumped on the ground as she rested against a wall, looking exhausted after completing the race that has been dubbed ‘the race that eats its young’.

Paris can be seen almost crumbling to her knees as she reached the crossing the finishing line, sealing her remarkable achievement in 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds, narrowly beating the 60-hour cut-off by 99 seconds.

Other photos show scratches across the ultrarunner’s legs after brushing past sharp brambles and shrubs as she completed the grueling course.

The mother-of-two appeared to be in high spirits following her herculean feat with photos showing Pairs sat in a camping chair, sipping on a drink for a much deserved rest. 

The 40-year-old joined an elite group of five runners to complete this year’s challenge.

Her feat adds to a string of groundbreaking performances, including a 2019 victory at the Montane Spine Race in England, where she shattered the course record.

Ihor Verys clinched the fastest time of the event, crossing the finish line in 58 hours, 44 minutes, and 59 seconds. 

Notable American runners John Kelly and Jared Campbell also completed the race for the third and fourth time respectively, joined by New Zealand’s Greig Hamilton in surpassing the challenging time limit.

In a display of sportsmanship, Campbell extended a gesture to Paris, offering her the choice to tackle the final loop in a potentially less arduous clockwise direction. 

Paris, balancing her athletic pursuits with her roles as a veterinarian and research scientist in Edinburgh, showcased her resilience after previous attempts at Barkley Marathons.

Barkley Marathons stands as one of the world’s most formidable ultramarathons.

The race also features ever-changing woodland routes and an estimated 16,500 meters of vertical climb and descent. 

Conceived by Gary ‘Lazarus Lake’ Cantrell in 1986, the race commences with Cantrell lighting a ceremonial cigarette.

Notably unconventional, the event features a bugler signaling runner withdrawals and maintains a minimal online presence, with updates disseminated solely through a designated individual’s social media account.