WARTBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — The 2025 Barkley Marathons kicked off Tuesday at Frozen Head State Park, a notorious ultramarathon steeped in secrecy and grueling challenges. At 11:37 A.M. Eastern time on March 18, 2025, the race started, marked by the lighting of a cigarette by founder Gary Cantrell, affectionately known as ‘Lazarus Lake.’ This race, often hailed as one of the most difficult in the world, demands the utmost endurance and traditional navigation skills, with no GPS allowed.
The contest began after Carl Laniak blew the conch horn at 10:38 A.M., indicating to the participants that they had just an hour to prepare. "After a brief memorial, Laz lit the cigarette at 11:37. The 2025 Barkley Marathons has begun," posted Keith Dunn, the Chief Resident Tweeter of the event. Participants must navigate five grueling loops of approximately 20 to 26 miles each and complete the race within 60 hours.
This year’s start was notably the latest on record, surpassing the previous latest start time of 11:23 A.M. in 2015. The timing meant that the first loop would finish in near darkness, with sunset occurring at 7:49 P.M. The Barkley Marathons is famously elusive, and the course changes annually to maintain its challenging reputation. Each year, participants are tasked with locating books hidden throughout the course as proof of having completed each loop.
Despite the difficulties, the race attracts elite ultrarunners from around the globe eager to push their limits. Among them is three-time finisher John Kelly, who said, "It's pretty well a given that I’m returning to Barkley most years with it kind of being my home course." Last year, the race garnered attention when Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete it within the allotted time, inspiring fans and fellow competitors alike.
The 2025 event included a mixture of weather conditions, initially starting clear and sunny with temperatures expected to reach the high 60s or low 70s. However, strong winds and rain are predicted for the following days, which could significantly impact the remaining runners' progress and strategies. The race’s founder, Gary Cantrell, emphasized the stakes of the weather, stating, "This is the testing ground to really see, ‘Can you make the cut?’" highlighting the brutal nature of the course and the unique challenges each competitor faces.
In addition to Kelly, notable first-time participant Claire Bannwarth aims to follow in Jasmin Paris' footsteps. Bannwarth, a two-time winner of the Winter Spine Race, brings a seasoned background to the event. Her involvement underscores the growing participation of elite female ultrarunners in such demanding competitions.
As Barkley participants prepare for the convoy of difficulties through the unforgiving terrain, camaraderie remains paramount. The race fosters a unique community among competitors as they navigate the mental and physical challenges together. Carl Laniak, the new race director, noted that even if competitors don’t finish, the experience is invaluable: "When something is at the edge of human potential, and even if you can only make it 20% of the way, if you got everything out of yourself and really felt like you dug deeper than you had before..." He emphasizes the universal human connection built through facing grueling challenges together.
As the 2025 Barkley Marathons unfolds, the athletic prowess and determination displayed by these ultrarunners serve as a testament to their passions and preparation for this legendary race. With each loop, they will continue testing their limits amid thick briars, steep hills, and varying weather conditions.
Stay tuned as the event progresses, with updates available through Keith Dunn’s official social media channels. As the hours pass and the sun sets further into the Tennessee night, all eyes will be on whether any of the competitors can rise to the challenge and join the small but prestigious list of finishers in the history of the Barkley Marathons.
