Barkley Marathons: What You Need to Know Before You Try the Wildest Race

If you love ultra‑marathons, you’ve probably heard the name "Barkley Marathons" and thought, "What on earth is that?" It’s a 100‑mile race in the woods of Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, that few finish and even fewer even start. The race was created in 1986 by a man named Gary "Lazarus" Cantrell, who wanted a course so hard that most people would give up before the finish line.

The course is a loop of roughly 20 miles that runners must run five times. The exact route changes every year and is never marked on a map. Participants get a set of cryptic clues instead of a GPS. That means you have to read the clues, find a tree, a rock, or a dead animal, and keep moving. If you miss a checkpoint, you’re out.

How to Get In (and Why It’s Hard)

First, you can’t just buy a ticket. The organizers only accept a handwritten entry form mailed to them. You have to pay a $1.60 entry fee and write a short essay about why you want to run. They also limit the field to about 40 runners each year. If you don’t hear back, you probably didn’t make the cut.

Second, you need a "barkley bib" – a laminated card with a unique number. If you lose it, you’re disqualified. The race also has a strict cut‑off time of 60 hours. That means you have to keep moving, eat, and sleep strategically. Most runners end up spending the night on the ground or in a tree.

Training Tips for the Crazy Trail

Don’t think a regular marathon will prepare you. You need to train on rugged terrain, learn to navigate without a map, and practice carrying a heavy pack. Spend weekends hiking with a loaded backpack, practice night running, and learn basic orienteering. Water is scarce, so practice drinking from streams or using a water filter.

Mentally, the race is a battle with yourself. You’ll face darkness, insects, cold, and the fear of getting lost. Many runners say the hardest part is staying positive when you can’t see the end. Keep a short mantra and break the race into five loops instead of one huge distance.

Gear matters, but it’s a balance. You need sturdy trail shoes, a waterproof jacket, a headlamp, a reliable compass, and enough food to last 60 hours. Some runners pack a small solar charger for their phone, but most rely on a paper map and a whistle for emergencies.

Finally, respect the environment. The race runs through protected forest, so leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring in and stay on the trail as much as possible.

Whether you finish or not, the Barkley Marathons is a once‑in‑a‑lifetime test of endurance, navigation, and grit. If you’re ready to push your limits and love a good mystery, this race might be the ultimate adventure. Just remember: preparation, patience, and a solid plan are your best friends on the wildest trail in the United States.