Marathon runners are a rare breed of humans. Few hobbies involve wheezing for miles and shopping for shirts that won’t rub your skin off. Every year a new challenger appears for these hobbyists to overcome. However, there has never been a more formidable foe for the marathon runner than the Barkley Marathons. This infamous race tests its runner’s physical endurance and mental fortitude. It’s a marathon built on the intent that only 1% of runners will complete it. It’s a race not for the faint of heart; this is the Barkley Marathons.
Lazarus Lake
After hearing of the escape of failed escape of assassin James Earl Ray from the Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell and Karl “Raw Dog” Henn were inspired. So the two backpacked along the escape route near Frozen Head State Park in Eastern Tennessee. After returning from the trip, the two thought the treacherous journey would make for a great marathon. So the duo created the Barkley Marathons.
The Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons are some of the most exclusive yet most infamous marathons in the United States. Happening many times a year, the race is designed to push runners to their limits. Only 15 people have finished the race out of over 1,000 runners. That’s only 15 finishers, not winners, finishers. This race is grueling.
Born in 1986, the race is a 5-lap 100-mile ultramarathon through the Appalachian Mountains. Runners will climb over 25,000 feet in elevation (that’s nearly the height of Mt Everest from sea level). As if this all weren’t enough, Lazarus has created a set of circumstances to make the race even more challenging. The route comprises a few trails instead of natural game trails through the forests. Runners are not told many details, including the race’s start time, so everyone is kept on their toes for as much as 23 hours before the race begins. Also, there are only two water stations along the 100-mile journey, so each runner will need to pack any additional water or snacks.
Conclusion
Running in the Barkley Marathons is a death sentence. But that’s precisely what Lazarus Lake wants it to be. The eclectic designer of the race wants the runners to see exactly what they can accomplish. For that reason, Lake has devised a near impossible marathon to push people to their absolute breaking point. He also finds it very entertaining. Watch or listen to this episode of Things I Learned Last Night to learn more about the race and the peculiar entry process.
Things I Learned Last Night is an educational comedy podcast where best friends Jaron Myers and Tim Stone talk about random topics and have fun all along the way. If you like learning and laughing a lot while you do, you’ll love TILLN. Watch or listen to this episode right now!
Oh and hey, if you want to know how many laps in Jarons living room something is… Check this out.
Sources
The Barkley Marathons – Wikipedia
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