Download the Barkley Marathons 2022: A Challenging Ultramarathon Trail Race

The Barkley Marathons is a prestigious and demanding ultramarathon trail race that takes place annually in Frozen Head State Park, Morgan County, Tennessee. The event has been running for over three decades, with its first edition dating back to the 1990s. The race was founded by Gary 'Lazarus Lake' Cantrell and Karl Henn (Raw Dog), who were inspired by the infamous escape of James Earl Ray from nearby Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in 1977.

The Barkley Marathons is a unique event that attracts experienced ultra-runners from around the world. The course, which varies each year, consists of five loops of approximately 20 miles, covering a total distance of 100 miles (160 km). The terrain is challenging, with over 25,000-27,000 feet of climbing and descending, making it one of the most demanding ultramarathon courses in the world.

The history of the Barkley Marathons is marked by several notable achievements. In 1995, Mark Williams from the United Kingdom became the first person to complete the full 100-mile version of the course, finishing in an impressive time of 59:28:48. The following year, Ed Furtaw from North Carolina completed the original short version of the course in a remarkable 32:14.

In recent years, women have also made their mark on the race. Sue Johnston previously started the fourth loop in 2001, and Jasmin Paris became the fourth woman to complete the 'Fun Run' twice and only the second to start the fourth loop in 2023.

The Barkley Marathons is not just about completing the course; it's also a test of endurance, mental toughness, and physical resilience. The race has been cancelled only once, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event typically takes place in March or early April each year, with a time limit of 60 hours from the start of the first loop.

In conclusion, the Barkley Marathons is an ultramarathon trail race that pushes runners to their limits, both physically and mentally. With its challenging course, rich history, and strong sense of community, it's no wonder why this event attracts top ultra-runners from around the world. If you're up for a challenge, download the Barkley Marathons 2022 schedule and get ready to take on one of the toughest ultramarathon courses in the world!

Download the barkley marathons 2022