Lauren HollandBy Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

The Barkley Marathons is an ultra-distance race held in Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, and its first woman finisher is a point of genuine interest to runners. The Barkley Marathon first woman to complete the course was Jennifer Essex Hahn, who finished in 2017. Because the race has a very small number of official finishers in total, each woman to complete it stands out in the record books.

Why the Barkley First Woman Milestone Took So Long

The Barkley is not a standard race. It covers roughly 100 miles of off-trail terrain with about 60,000 feet of cumulative elevation gain, and runners must navigate with a map and compass rather than following marked trails. Participants have a strict cutoff of 60 hours, and the course is designed so that finishing requires both physical endurance and strong route-finding skills. Entry is limited, and the field has historically been small, which means fewer opportunities for any woman to reach the finish line.

Shopping for one? See our guide: First Woman to Win Ultra Marathon: 7 Books on Their Story.

Early editions also drew a male-dominated entry list, so the number of women with the chance to attempt the full loop was low for many years. Each year’s results reflect the small pool of starters rather than a fixed rule against women, but the outcome was that the first woman finisher arrived much later than in many other ultras.

Factors That Shape a Barkley Finish

Finishing the Barkley depends on several factors that apply to every runner, regardless of sex:

  • Navigation: Participants must locate books hidden along the course to prove they completed each loop, which requires careful compass work.
  • Pacing across loops: Runners who go out too fast often lose time on the later climbs and in the dark.
  • Night running: Many sections are run after dark, so headlamp reliability and battery planning matter a great deal.
  • Nutrition and hydration: Sustained effort over tens of hours means steady calorie intake and electrolyte balance are essential.

How to Prepare If You Want to Study the Race

If you are researching the Barkley or planning to test yourself on similar terrain, focus on the basics that separate finishers from dropouts:

  1. Practice off-trail navigation with a map and compass on unfamiliar ground until it feels routine.
  2. Train on steep, technical climbs and descents, not only smooth roads.
  3. Run long back-to-back efforts to rehearse fatigue, since loops are repeated.
  4. Test your headlamp setup and carry spare batteries during night training.
  5. Build a fueling plan you can follow when you are exhausted, using foods you already tolerate.

Runners with heart conditions, joint problems, or other medical concerns should consult a doctor before attempting any ultra-distance training.

What We’d Use

A reliable headlamp is one of the few pieces of gear that directly affects safety on night sections, so a model with a long-lasting battery and a strong beam is worth considering: View on Amazon.

For route-finding practice, a baseplate compass with a clear sighting line helps build the bearing skills the Barkley demands: View on Amazon.

FAQ

Who was the first woman to finish the Barkley Marathons?

Jennifer Essex Hahn is recognized as the first woman to complete the Barkley Marathons, finishing in 2017.

Why is the Barkley so hard to finish?

The course is roughly 100 miles of unmarked, off-trail terrain with heavy elevation gain, and runners must navigate by map and compass within a 60-hour cutoff.

Can a beginner train for a race like the Barkley?

Beginners should first build a strong base in ultra-distance running and navigation skills before considering a course this demanding, and should check with a healthcare professional before starting.

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Lauren Holland

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.