Now, she is a chance to represent Australia at the world championships after claiming an overall win – beating every other woman and man – as well as a new course record.

The Bushfield ultra marathon runner pounded out an incredible personal best of 217 kilometres in the 24 hours, trumping her previous top of 213 kilometres despite having to contend with freezing temperatures, rain and strong winds.

The astounding total was nine kilometres more than any woman or man had covered at the course.

“It can be a real mental battle to keep going,” Barker said of the challenge.

“You head starts to say, ‘It’s okay to stop now’. A lot of racers push through that. But it’s easy, especially during the night, to stop for a while and once you stop it’s hard to get going again.”

The win has earned Barker qualification for selection on the Australian team headed for the world championships next year.

Female runners must complete a minimum of 200 kilometres to qualify – there is a preference for over than 210 – with up to six earning a spot on the team.

Barker, who turns 45 on the weekend, said only she and two others had qualified at this stage.

While she described the conditions on the weekend as “miserable” for runners, Barker pointed out it was also tough on the support crews who were there to help out the competitors with food and liquids, as well as moral support.

She particularly thanked her partner Greg Kew.

“Even though it’s an individual thing, if I didn’t have Greg with me (it wouldn’t be possible) – he gives me all the food and fluid, and he has to stay awake for 24 hours, too,” Barker said.

“When I start to get a little bit flat, he picks me up and encourages me and motivates me. You’ve got to have the right people around you at this event if you’re any chance of being successful.”