Stuff You Should Know The Barkley Marathons
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Jan 16, 2025 Every spring, around 40 brave souls face the brutal challenges of the Barkley Marathons in Tennessee, a race famous for its nearly impossible completion rate. The conversation dives into the quirky origins of this ultra-marathon, tracing its roots to local history and endurance feats. Participants share their mental and physical strategies, detailing navigation nightmares and the emotional weight of quitting. Listeners also hear about historic milestones, like the first female finisher, and the tight-knit community that emerges from shared struggles.
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Chad's Ultramarathon Ambitions
- Josh and Chuck discuss their friend Chad Crowley's ultramarathon running.
- Chuck shares Chad's claim of potentially running 100 miles, needing a ride back.
Documentary Recommendation
- Josh recommends the 2017 documentary "The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young".
- A special operations soldier featured in the film found the race incredibly challenging.
Origin of the Barkley Marathons Name
- Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, the race creator, named the Barkley Marathons after his friend Barry Barkley.
- Barry, a farmer, is bewildered by the race's namesake.