B.C. man is first Canadian to conquer Barkley Marathons

Known as one of the world's hardest and most secretive races, the Barkley Marathons have eluded hundreds of participants in the past — so much so that it isn't unusual for no one to cross the finish line. 

But last week, a record five runners, including the first woman and the first Canadian, completed the 160-kilometre course through Tennessee woodlands. 

Ukrainian-Canadian Ihor Verys won with a time of 58 hours, 44 minutes and 59 seconds. 

"The Barkley Marathon is an ultimate endurance challenge … and every single loop is non-stop. There's no aid stations, … there's no GPS or watches involved," said Verys, who's based in Chilliwack, B.C., about 100 kilometres east of Vancouver. 

"We were very lucky and fortunate this year with the weather. Usually when it's foggy there, it's really hard to navigate."

Jasmin Paris, from Midlothian, Scotland, about 12 kilometres south of Edinburgh, became the first woman to complete the race, with a time of 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds.

The invitation-only race challenges runners to complete the course in 60 hours and features quirky customs over difficult, elevated forest terrain. 

Just days after the race, Verys joined CBC's On The Coast to talk about the marathon and his historic win. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What is the Barkley Marathons?

Only a small amount of people get invited every year — around 40 people or so. It's a mystery basically, so it's hard to get in. Nobody knows how, but everybody knows about the existence of this race. 

In essence, you cover this 42- or 48-kilometre off-trail loop, nobody knows exactly how long it is, in Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg, about 230 kilometres east of Nashville.

You just use an old-school