The iconic photo of Jasmin Paris staggering to the yellow gate at the entrance of Frozen Head State Park in rural Tennessee forever changed the world of trail and ultra running. Her triumph reached far beyond ultrarunners and became a beacon of inspiration to women around the world.
The 40-year-old mother of two from Great Britain made history after becoming the first woman ever to complete all five loops of the Barkley Marathons within the stringent 60-hour time limit. With just 99 seconds to spare, Paris completed the race in 59:58:21, joining the exclusive club of Barkley Marathon finishers.
The triumph that brought Paris mainstream in the world of ultrarunning seems to be the gift that keeps on giving after it was confirmed on Friday that she had been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the King’s Birthday Honours List.
The award is given to individuals who have “Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others.”
The MBE award, alongside other national or dynastic orders and awards, is given out annually in the King’s Birthday Honours List. The Birthday Honours represent the reigning monarch’s official birthday by entering various individuals into national or dynastic order. The honors are presented by the monarch or a viceregal representative.
Prior to her historic triumph at Barkley Marathons, Paris had already begun to make a name for herself in the world of ultrarunning.
In 2019, Paris made headlines by clinching an outright victory in the grueling 268-mile Montane Spine Race, shattering the course record by over 12 hours. What made this feat all the more remarkable was the fact that she had given birth to her first child just 14 months prior, even having to express breastmilk at checkpoints along the way.
Paris will stand alongside a number of British athletes receiving their own honors, including Mark Cavendish (Cyclist, Knighthood), Anita Neil (Track Runner, MBE), Karen Carney (Soccer, OBE), and Stuart Benson (Bobsled, MBE).
