Barkley Marathon - Nicky Spinks and Jasmin Paris

[AuntieStella]

They are among the 5 England competitors, the third woman is Katie Wright and the men are Damian Hall are Tom Hollins

24 competitors this year.

Keith is doing a brilliant commentary on Twitter (@ KeithDunn) Seven runners didn't make the cut off for finishing loop 1 (at least one because she got lost)

For those who don't know, this is a brutal and idiosyncratic trail ultramarathon - extremely rough terrain, no GPS watches allowed, course is not marked and runners get instructions on the day and then have to find their way.

Anyone else following it this year?

I'm finding it oddly fascinating! It's the sort of running I wish I could do, but know I never will

Not an "official" tweet from Keith, but reports that the first 5 of the 7 have passed the Tower

No word on Small European Woman or Japanese Laz (who finished loop 3 on 35:55:24 and amazingly began loop 4 at 35:59:37)

Another (non-Keith) tweet says there are "reports of some big changes in the race order out on loop 4. Either someone got a bit lost or took a nap or is really struggling" (I assume it means someone from the first 5 has dropped back significantly)

They're beginning to use names rather than nicknames for the remaining runners

This is so exciting. I feel quite emotional about Jasmin. Look at this fantastic pic! 💪

The cut-off for loop 4 is 13:54 GMT, people on Twitter are asking when the first runners will be completing the loop but I haven't seen any estimated times. Anyone else seen anything?

Adharanand Finn is retweeting some good stuff.

OK, answering my own question, approx between 06.40 and 12.20 GMT.

Back to refreshing the hashtag then #BM100.

I read a tweet that unlikely to see anyone before 12:00 GMT, but any time from about 12:30 onwards for the first pack (the earlier the better for a finish to be a realistic prospect) then start biting your nails to see if everyone makes it

Here are pix of Jasmin in two totally different environments

She's incredible.

John Kelly and Aurelian Sanchez have both completed Loop 4. Racing to get back to the gate to choose favourable direction for Loop 5.

John Kelly has gone out first. Clockwise.

I've just read a post quoting from a book called Tales From Out There, about what happened to Sue Johnston (the only other woman ever to have started loop 4. It says:

" {two other runners and} Johnston spent about an hour deciding and preparing to continue, and then headed back out there. This made Sue Johnston the only woman runner to ever begin a fourth loop. However she and her two fellow travelers made it only about eight miles before succumbing to exhaustion and retreating, still as a team, back to camp to be tapped out"

This means it's Schroedinger's Barkley - Jasmin might already have gone further on this course than any woman before

Aurelian Sanchez has also started loop 5 (in 46:07:50). Counterclockwise

Albert Casas (Guy With Glasses) did not complete loop 4 and has been tapped out

John Kelly (The Other Guy)'s times were: completed loop 4 at 45.50.23 and headed off for loop 5 at 46.02.55

I love the BM but think they are all insane.

Tomo Ihara (Japanese Laz) did not complete loop 4- he made it to the Garden Spot before deciding to drop out.

Karel Sabbe completed loop four in 46:36:57.

Just waiting for Damian and Jasmin now 😳

No word on either, I hope they make it, assuming for Jasmine if she’s this far in she will complete the loop 4 🤞

I feel really emotional thinking about Jasmine, most incredible woman. Nicky fantastic too. Great thread

58 minutes from cut off

😬🤞

How far does she need to travel in that time? I've just gone down a rabbit hole on Amazon looking at Berkeley Marathon books 📚

Absolutely rooting for Jasmin!

And yes, Nicky Spinks is also incredible.

Really hope she makes it although she’s already achieved so much it’s breathtaking!

Can you imagine if she finished!!

We don't know where she is on the 20 mile course.

Damian Hall is back. Hopefully Jasmin not far behind.

Yes Damian. Now come on Jasmine!!!

Of course we don't doh! So used to wearing a tracker 😄