The Barkley Marathons is one of the hardest and most mysterious races in the world. With a finish rate of less than 2%, it challenges even the most experienced ultrarunners. Here are the most important questions and answers about this legendary event.

1. What is the Barkley Marathons?

The Barkley Marathons is an ultramarathon held in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, known as the toughest race on earth. The official course distance is 100 miles (160 km), but in reality, it is likely closer to 130 miles (210 km) with approximately 66,000 feet (20,000 meters) of elevation gain.

The race consists of five loops of around 20 miles each. Runners who complete three loops (about 60 miles) achieve the so-called “Fun Run”, which is already an impressive feat.

➡ More about the race’s history: Matt Mahoney’s Barkley FAQ

2. Who Founded the Barkley Marathons?

The Barkley Marathons was created in 1986 by Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell. He was inspired by a famous prison escape:

In 1977, James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., escaped from Brushy Mountain State Prison. However, after 55 hours, he had only covered 8 miles through the rugged terrain. Lazarus Lake joked: “I could run 100 miles in that time.” And so, the Barkley Marathons was born.

➡ More details on the race’s origins: Canadian Running Article

3. How Difficult Is the Race?

Extremely. Here’s why:

• Steep, rugged terrain (thorn bushes, rocks, no real trails)

• Navigation only with a map and compass (GPS watches are prohibited)

• 60-hour time limit for 100+ miles with 66,000 feet of climbing

• Unpredictable weather (heat, rain, snow – often all in one race)

• Very little sleep – runners must keep moving almost continuously to meet time cutoffs

➡ A participant’s experience: Random Forest Runner – How to Apply to Barkley

4. How Do You Register?

The registration process is a well-kept secret. There is no official website and no public sign-up.

Here’s what is (allegedly) known:

• Prospective runners must send a handwritten application letter to Lazarus Lake, explaining why they should be allowed to participate.

• The entry fee is $1.60 for first-time runners.

• Runners must bring a license plate from their home state or country.

• Returning runners often bring Lazarus a gift, such as white shirts or socks.

• Only 40 runners are selected each year.

➡ Unofficial FAQ on registration: Matt Mahoney’s FAQ

5. How Does the Race Start?

• There is no set start time. Runners only know the race will begin sometime within a 12-hour window.

• One hour before the start, Lazarus Lake blows a conch shell as a warning.

• The race officially begins when Lazarus lights a cigarette.

➡ Behind-the-scenes look at the start: Canadian Running – How the Barkley Starts

6. How Do Runners Navigate?

• No GPS allowed! Only a map and compass.

• There are no trail markers, just hand-drawn maps.

• The direction of the loops can change mid-race.

• Runners must find books hidden along the course and tear out a page corresponding to their bib number as proof they completed the route.

➡ How runners find their way: Barkley Navigation Tips

7. How Many People Have Finished the Barkley Marathons?

Since 1986, fewer than 20 runners have finished the race. Some of the most notable finishers include:

• Mark Williams (1995) – The first finisher

• Jared Campbell (3-time finisher) – A true Barkley veteran

• John Kelly (2017, 2023) – One of the few modern finishers

• Jasmin Paris (2024) – The first woman to complete four loops

➡ Complete list of Barkley finishers: Barkley Finisher List

8. Can You Follow the Race Live?

Yes, but only indirectly.

• There is no livestream and no official updates during the race.

• Fans can find information through #BM100 hashtags on Twitter and Reddit.

• Updates are often shared by Barkley Marathons Facebook pages or ultrarunning forums.

• After the race, reports appear on blogs and YouTube.

➡ Live race updates: Barkley Marathons on Twitter

9. Are There Any Documentaries About the Barkley Marathons?

Yes! The most well-known include:

• “The Race That Eats Its Young” (2014) – The most famous Barkley documentary

• “Where Dreams Go to Die” (2017) – A film about Gary Robbins’ Barkley attempts

• Netflix Documentary (2024) – The latest big production covering the race

➡ Trailer for “The Race That Eats Its Young”: YouTube

10. Can You Prepare for the Barkley Marathons?

Yes, but there’s no perfect preparation. The best ways to train include:

• Mountain running – train for long, steep climbs

• Practice map & compass skills – GPS is banned

• Sleep deprivation training – runners go nearly 60 hours with little to no sleep

• Wearing thorn-resistant clothing – the terrain is brutal

Final Thoughts: Is the Barkley Marathons the Toughest Race on Earth?

Many ultrarunners say: Yes.

• Fewer than 20 finishers in almost 40 years

• No GPS, no trail markers, no support

• Incredibly tough terrain and weather conditions

The Barkley Marathons isn’t just a race – it’s a legend.

Do you know any other interesting facts or have personal experiences? Share them in the comments!