The total elevation gain (60,000 feet) if you complete all five loops is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest twice.īeing in the woods and often off blazed trails, runners are subjected to the thorns, briers, and other unpleasant plants to run through. The elevation is one of the most notable challenges of the race. (Add in the fact that it’s easy to go off course, and you can see how it becomes longer.) The distance for each is about 20 miles, according to Cantrell, though runners often dispute the claim saying it is roughly a marathon. You must complete five loops of the course to earn the title of Barkley Finisher. From there, all you need to know is it takes you through the park’s more than 24,000 acres, by the closed Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, and up and over wicked terrain and switchbacks. Not a chance in hell I'd try it myself though.The course is not well-known outside of those who have attempted a loop of the fabled race, but for your main reference you should know it takes place in the Cumberland Mountains within Frozen Head State Park, which is in Wartburg, Tennessee.
It is heart breaking and it makes for gripping viewing. With no markers and no GPS, can't you cheat? No, there are books at various points in the woods and you have to find them all, tear out the page that matches your race number (that changes each loop) and get a full set. but you only have 60 hours to complete it. Completely solo, no help, no markers, no water stations, intentionally fluid organisation, even no set start time. Most people don't complete 1 Lap, never mind all 5. 5 laps, in daylight and at night, going opposite directions on each loop. Invite only and limited to 40 entrants per year, to tackle a 130(ish) mile course, across mind bogglingly hard terrain that you have to navigate yourself, with map/compass, no GPS. Low-fi homespun logistics tying together possibly the nuttiest and toughest course on the planet. I've heard of The Barkley Marathons before, but this doc really nails it. Reviewed by garethcrook 8 / 10 Inspiring and heart breaking.
0 kommentar(er)
