The Barkley Marathons, often dubbed one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world, kicked off on March 18, 2025, at 10:37 AM local time in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, after race founder Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell lit a cigarette. This race, renowned for its grueling nature and mysterious entry process, consists of five 20-mile loops, totaling over 100 miles. History was made last year when Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete the course, a feat previously deemed impossible by Cantrell.
This year's race is particularly challenging as the course has been reportedly tougher than ever, presenting intense navigation challenges amid overgrown and poorly marked trails. As runners embark on the loops, they’re allowed no GPS devices – adding to the complexity of the task.
Current reports from the race indicate that out of a typical registration of 35 to 40 participants, only 10 completed the first loop within the 12-hour cutoff. As of now, six runners remain in the race, a stark contrast to the initial field. Julien Chable, Chris Fisher, and Thomas Calmettes bowed out within the last hour, leaving just a few in the running.
The Barkley Marathons is infamous for its brutal demands and the fact that many participants do not finish, a trend that has continued in 2025. As of March 19, it appears that the race may proceed without any finishers, echoing many previous years. The event has been known for its unpredictability, with race updates primarily coming from Keith Dunn's cryptic tweets, keeping fans engaged with intermittent tidbits about this year's progress and changing dynamics.
The race's legacy, rooted in whimsy and lore, includes a legendary entry process. Interested runners must navigate a complex application that requires submission of an email at a specific time, an application fee of $1.60 – reflecting the cost per mile of the course – along with a series of unique questions and a personal essay articulating their desire to participate.
The arduous trek has seen all sorts of individuals vying for its infamous title, but the infamous reputation of the Barkley means that even the most experienced ultrarunners often find themselves bested by the course. The harsh landscape contains dense forests, steep hills, and rocky terrain. The elevation gain exceeds 60,000 feet – nearly double that of Mount Everest – making it an unforgiving undertaking for participants.
John Kelly, a seasoned competitor, is aiming for a historic fourth finish this year, which would tie him with Jared Campbell, the record-holder for the most finishes at three. However, amidst the intense competition, the race saw its first Zambian runner, who, unfortunately, did not manage to complete the course.
The Barkley Marathons is named after Barry Barkley, a friend of Cantrell, and remains a unique encasement of endurance and tenacity. Over its history, fewer than 20 runners have finished the event, producing a total of just 26 completions since its inception. The event gained significant media and cultural recognition following the release of the 2014 documentary, "The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young," which unveiled the event's enigmatic nature to a broader audience.
The traditions of the Barkley contribute to its mystique. For instance, participants begin their adventures with a cake humorously inscribed with “Good luck, morons,” setting a tone that speaks to the lighthearted approach of the difficult challenge ahead.
As the 2025 Barkley Marathons continues, anticipation mounts. Will any of the remaining competitors rise to the occasion and achieve the ultimate finish against the odds? The results remain uncertain, and for those enthralled by ultrarunning, the next updates are awaited with bated breath.
