Taking on the Barkley, its what you learn – Maggie Guterl

Experienced Ultrarunner and first woman to finish Big’s Backyard 250 mile ultra, Maggie Guterl, sat down with Ultrarunner Magazine after taking part in the 2021 edition of the Barkley Marathon. Maggie discusses her journey with the legendary Barkley and what she has taken away from the experience this year.

“All I have control over is my preparedness and showing up on the start line, aiming to be ready for whatever the course is going to throw at me. I am a very stubborn person and while that can be a detriment to us ultra-runners trying to find that fine line, it can also be incredibly helpful in keeping you motivated and moving forwards towards your goals. The Barkley marathon is one of those things that I am not sure I can ever achieve. I am not always successful in my endeavours and that is okay, what is important is that we keep on trying.”

I had run the 50k version of the Barkley loop, back in 2016, just to get a taste for what it would be like, I also knew that the winner of that race got a guaranteed entry to the Barkley. Though I did not win, I had tons of fun and came away with experience and cut legs, and I wondered if I could imagine doing the full, brutal Barkley Marathon in Frozen Head.