Everything We Know About the Mythical Barkley Marathons

The mythical Barkley Marathons is a 100-mile ultramarathon shrouded in mystery. Even making it to the starting line is an achievement within itself. The event has become ultrarunning folklore and is regarded by many as one of the toughest races in the world.

The challenge occurs annually between March and April in rural Tennessee in Frozen Head State Park near Wartburg. In the 38 years since its inception, people have attempted the challenge, but only 17 people have completed the entire course.

The creator

Gary Cantrell aka Lazarus ‘Laz’ Lake, helped to create the Barkley Marathons and has since acquired a legendary status despite never really self-promoting.

In 1985 Gary Cantrell (A.K.A Lazarus Lake) was out backpacking, following those same trails that the naive criminal had once tried to conquer when he had an idea. Inspired by the geography and awe-stricken in the face of such brutality, Laz laughed with his companion, Kyle, as he noted, “Would this not be the ULTIMATE race? People would die to come out and do this … then die all over again when they got here!”. And with that, somewhat sadistic thought, the Barkley Marathon was born! Laz was confident that covering 100-miles, in the same amount of time it had taken James to clear eight, was perfectly possible. The notion has since been debated!

The race name is attributed to his friend, neighbour and fellow ultrarunner Barry Barkley, who passed away in 2019 at 70.

How do I enter?

Much like a quest, the secrecy of the Barkley Marathons is part of the lore. You can only run if Lake has accepted you, and even then, you don’t know the start time; instead, a 12-hour window is instilled.