The Barkley Marathons: A Cult-Like Race That Eats Its Young
An Introduction to the Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons is a brutal ultramarathon held annually in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. The race was founded in 1986 by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, a former Special Forces officer, and is considered one of the most difficult races in the world. The course is approximately 100 miles long and includes over 60,000 feet of elevation gain. Runners must complete the course in under 60 hours, and only 10 people have ever finished the race.
The Rules of the Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons has a unique set of rules that make it even more challenging. Runners must carry all of their own gear, including food, water, and clothing. They must also navigate the course without the use of GPS or other electronic devices. The race is not marked, and runners must rely on their own knowledge of the terrain to stay on course. The Barkley Marathons is a true test of human endurance and mental toughness. The race has been described as "a journey into hell" and "the most brutal race on the planet." Despite the challenges, the race continues to attract runners from all over the world who are eager to test their limits.
The History of the Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons was created by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell in 1986. Cantrell was a former Special Forces officer who had served in Vietnam. He was inspired to create the race after reading about the escape of James Earl Ray from prison in 1977. Ray had escaped from the Tennessee State Penitentiary by climbing over a 20-foot wall and then running through the woods. Cantrell believed that he could design a race that would be even more difficult than Ray's escape, and the Barkley Marathons was born. The Barkley Marathons has been held every year since 1986, with the exception of 1997. The race has attracted a cult following over the years, and runners from all over the world come to Frozen Head State Park each year to test their limits.
The Finishing Rate of the Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons has a very low finishing rate. Only 10 people have ever finished the race, and the average finishing rate is less than 1%. The race is so difficult that many runners do not even make it to the halfway point. The most common reason for failure is the extreme elevation gain. The course is very hilly, and runners must climb over 60,000 feet of elevation during the race. This is a major challenge, especially for runners who are not accustomed to running in mountainous terrain. Another reason for the low finishing rate is the lack of sleep. Runners are given very little time to sleep during the race, and they must often run through the night. This can take a major toll on their physical and mental health.
The Barkley Marathons is a true test of human endurance and mental toughness. The race is one of the most difficult in the world, and only a few people have ever finished it. Despite the challenges, the race continues to attract runners from all over the world who are eager to test their limits.
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