![]() While a nominal distance of 20 miles, which only covers the horizontal distance, the actual length of the loop varies due to changes in the elevations on the course. The 100-mile and 60-mile distances are nominal. As of 2018, about 55% of the races had ended with no finishers. With 54,200 feet (16,500 m) of accumulated vertical climb (and the same amount of descent), the 100-mile run is considered to be one of the most challenging ultramarathons held in the United States, if not the world. ![]() Runners who complete three circuits of the loop (60-miles) are said to have completed a "fun run". Depending on the start time of the first loop, either the second and fourth loops are run at night, or the first, third, and fifth loops are run at night. Runners of the 100-mile version run this loop five times, taking a counterclockwise direction for loops two and four, followed by each runner alternating direction on loop five, after the first-placed runner's choice. The loop begins and ends at the yellow road gate where the runners' and supporters' parked cars stay. The course itself, which has changed distance, route, and elevation many times since its inaugural run, currently consists of an approximate 20-mile (32 km) unmarked loop with no aid stations except water at two points along the route. Race bib number one is always given to the person deemed to be the least likely to finish one lap out of all who have applied a "human sacrifice," as Cantrell calls it. Prior finishers of the marathon who return to run again must submit a pack of Camel cigarettes as part of the registration fee. These donations are apparently based on the current needs of Lazarus Lake at the time. Previous racers are required to bring an additional "fee" which in the past has included things such as a white shirt, socks, or a flannel shirt, as a donation for being a non-finisher. If accepted, an entrant receives a "letter of condolence." Upon arriving, first-time Barkley runners, known as virgins, are required to bring a license plate from their state/country as part of the entrance fee. Potential entrants must complete an essay on "Why I Should be Allowed to Run in the Barkley," pay a $1.60 application fee, and complete other requirements subject to change. Requirements and times to submit an entry application are a closely guarded secret with no details advertised publicly. The Barkley is limited to 40 runners and usually fills up quickly the day registration opens. They have all completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' twice. Previous women to have completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' are Suzi Thibeault (1991, 1994), Nancy Hamilton (1991, 1993), Sue Johnston (2000, 2001) and Beverley Anderson-Abbs (2012, 2013). Sue Johnston previously started the fourth loop in 2001. In 2023, Jasmin Paris became the fourth woman to complete the 3 loop 'Fun Run' twice and only the second to start the 4th loop. The 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 55-mile version was referred to as “the short one” and the 100-miler, “the long one.” In 1995, Mark Williams, of the United Kingdom, became the first to finish the full 100-mile version of the Barkley Marathons with a time of 59:28:48. In 1988 "Frozen" Ed Furtaw, from North Carolina, became the first to finish the original short version of the course with 32:14. įor the early years, the Barkley was 50-55 miles or so, with about 25,000-27,000 feet of climbing. Cantrell named the race for his longtime neighbor and running companion, Barry Barkley. Cantrell said to himself, "I could do at least 100 miles," mocking Ray's low mileage. Ray covered only about 12 miles (19 km) after running 54.5 hours in the woods hiding from air searches during the day. The idea for the race was inspired upon hearing about the 1977 escape of James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., from nearby Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. The Barkley course was the brain child of Gary " Lazarus Lake" Cantrell and Karl Henn (Raw Dog). The race is limited to a 60-hour period from the start of the first loop, and takes place in March or early April of each year. The course, which varies from year to year, consists of five loops of the 20+ mile, off-trail course for a total of 100 miles (160 km). ![]() The Barkley Marathons is an ultramarathon trail race held each year in Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County, Tennessee.
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