The Barkley: A Love Story concludes. This is the episode the series has been building toward.

We hear from the finishers: the 26 people in 40 years who have completed five loops in 60 hours. Jared Campbell, four-time finisher, on what the race selects for in a person. John Kelly, who grew up across the road from Frozen Head State Park and calls the Barkley his home course. Ihor Verys, who didn't like running six years before he finished first. John Fegyveresi, who applied from Antarctica and held the slowest known time for over a decade.

And then . . . Jasmine Paris. In her own words. The veterinarian and mother of two who wore patched shoes and a borrowed bag, who touched the yellow gate with 99 seconds to spare, and became the first woman in Barkley history to finish.

Part three of three. The payoff.

Show Notes

The Barkley: A Love Story concludes. This is the episode the series has been building toward.


We hear from the finishers: the 26 people in 40 years who have completed five loops in 60 hours. Jared Campbell, four-time finisher, on what the race selects for in a person. John Kelly, who grew up across the road from Frozen Head State Park and calls the Barkley his home course. Ihor Verys, who didn't like running six years before he finished first. John Fegyveresi, who applied from Antarctica and held the slowest known time for over a decade.


And then . . . Jasmine Paris. In her own words. The veterinarian and mother of two who wore patched shoes and a borrowed bag, who touched the yellow gate with 99 seconds to spare, and became the first woman in Barkley history to finish.


Part three of three. The payoff.


Guests Featured



  • Jasmine Paris — first female finisher of the Barkley Marathons

  • Jared Campbell — four-time Barkley finisher

  • John Kelly — four-time Barkley finisher

  • Aurelien Sanchez — 2023 Barkley finisher, first non-American finisher since 1995

  • Ihor Verys ("Eeyore") — 2024 Barkley first-place finisher

  • John Fegyveresi ("Lakewood") — 2012 Barkley finisher, former slowest known time holder

  • Finn Melanson — Single Track Podcast, eyewitness to Jasmine's 2024 finish

  • Jacob Zocherman — photographer of the iconic Jasmine Paris finish image


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