In 2006, not even one person finished the 3 loop/60 mile “fun run”. After Mark Williams became the first finisher, it was another 6 years before the next finisher(s) completed the race. So by looking at the list of finishers, you can see that it took nearly 10 years before Barkley got it’s first finisher. Now, before most of you roast me and scoff at the fact that I would even ask such a question, please continue reading. So while there is no doubt in my mind that Barkley is both physically and mentally demanding, is it as tough as it looks or sounds? So, as you can see, it takes more than just physical ability and skill to become one of the very few finishers of Barkley. This year alone, I saw a couple social media posts from actual race entrants who were “timed out” on the first loop because it took them several hours of searching to locate one of the books. To navigate the “course”, one must use actual land navigation skills to find various ‘check points’ out on the course, that are comprised of the runner having to rip pages from a book that correspond with their bib number, to ensure they actually hit the checkpoints and don’t cut/cheat the course. Unlike your typical 100 mile race, Barkley has no aid stations (outside an occasional water drop), and is one of very few where the course is not marked. However, if you ask those who have done even one loop of the race, they say it’s closer to 25-28 miles per loop, totaling 120-130 miles and boasting 60000 feet of elevation gain (yes, you read that right.supposedly there is 60k of elevation gain, not just elevation change).įrom second hand chatter, as well as the documentary and various articles on the internet, most participants say that aside from the climbing, it’s the orienteering and contention with the famous saw briars that make Barkley so tough. The race itself is labeled has a 100 miler, broken up into 5 x 20 mile loops. Over the course of these 30 years, only 14 people have finished, though there has been one 2 time winner and this year’s winner, Jared Campbell, become the only 3 time winner. This year marked the 30th anniversary of the Barkley Marathons. Though I have only heard about the course and the mystique of the race from acquaintances I know who have done it, or those I know who have ran parts of the course, I’ve always wondered how tough it really is? Even back then, I thought it sounded rather interesting and intriguing.
Long before I had ever ran my first ultra, my first marathon, or even my first half marathon.
Personally, I read about the Barkley back when I was still in the Navy. Though it’s kinda been a bit of a “hidden jewel” for years, the recent documentary Barkley Movie has begun to shed more light on this crazy and mysterious race. So, for almost anyone who has been involved in or around the ultra running world for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard of the Barkley Marathons.
0 kommentar(er)
