Was 2025 the Hardest Barkley Marathons Ever? The Data Says Yes
A deep dive analysis reveals just how brutal this year’s edition was on its runners.
John Kelly Finishes Barkley Marathons “Fun Run” In One Of The Race’s Most Brutal Editions
John Kelly has once again proven why he’s one of the toughest ultrarunners on the planet. In the 2025 Barkley Marathons, arguably the most brutal ultramarathon in the world, Kelly managed to complete the Fun Run—a deceptively named 60-mile, three-loop challenge that has humbled some of the best athletes in the sport. While it wasn’t … Read more
BREAKING: No Finishers for 2025 Barkley Marathons as 36-Hour Cutoff Passes
After a record-breaking 2024 saw five finishers, this year the field was devastated by the conditions and enhanced challenges
15 Year Old Sam Ruthe Become Youngest Person Ever To Run A Sub-4 Mile
Sam Ruthe, a 15-year-old from New Zealand, just ran a 3:58.35 mile, becoming the youngest person in history to break the four-minute barrier. His record-setting run cements his status as one of the most promising young talents in middle-distance running. What happened View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tauranga R&R (@tauranga_randr) The … Read more
How To Run A 4-Minute Mile: Speed, Strength, + Workouts
Some runners dream of qualifying for Boston, or running the New York and London marathons, some may even want to attempt Everest, but there are so many other exciting race distances and time to strive for, such as the one mile race. There is something magical about the mile. Often considered the blue-ribbon event in … Read more
The 8 Best Marathons For Beginners In The US
Running your first marathon is an exciting milestone — but it can also feel overwhelming. Even if you’ve been running for years, making the leap from the half to the full marathon is no small step. It’s not just doubling the distance — it’s increasing your training load, working your mental game, and creating a … Read more
Who is Lazarus Lake? Meet The Man Behind The Barkley Marathons
Lazarus Lake, the mastermind behind some of the toughest and quirkiest ultramarathons in the world, is a name that both inspires and terrifies runners. From the notorious Barkley Marathons to the relentless Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, his races test not just physical endurance but also the sheer willpower of those who dare to take them … Read more
Live Updates: The 2025 Barkley Marathons
Our staff will provide regular updates and insights of the Barkley Marathons, considered by many to be the most difficult (and certainly the most eccentric) ultramarathon in the world.
Who Is John Kelly? The Man Seeking A Historic Fourth Barkley Marathons Finish
The Barkley Marathons is one of the most infamous ultramarathons in the world—a brutal test of endurance, strategy, and mental toughness. Held in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, the race is designed to be nearly impossible to finish, with only a handful of runners ever completing all five loops within the 60-hour time limit. The … Read more
33 Insane Details That Make the Barkley Marathons Bizarre and Special
It’s the most gripping endurance event of the year. Here’s why.
Another Kenyan NCAA Athlete Found To Be Competing While Under Doping Suspension
The NCAA has been rocked by another revelation involving a Kenyan athlete competing while under a provisional doping suspension. This time, it’s Texas Christian University’s (TCU) Tabitha Ngao, the 2025 Big 12 1000m champion. Despite being provisionally suspended, Ngao raced in eight meets during the 2024-25 indoor season, including her title-winning performance at the Big … Read more
Meet Keith Dunn, The Mad Tweeter of the Barkley Marathons
Once a year, this deeply sarcastic lawyer is the most important person in endurance sports
The 2025 Barkley Marathons Have Started—Can It Outdo Last Year’s Historic Edition?
As the 2025 Barkley Marathons kicks off at Frozen Head State Park, the ultrarunning world looks back on the unprecedented events of 2024. Last year’s race redefined what was thought possible on one of the most grueling events in endurance sports, with five finishers—more than ever before—including the first-ever female finisher. With this year’s event … Read more
How the Barkley Marathons Works: What You Need to Know
Breaking down the Barkley: distance, rules, and race format. The world’s most brutal race, explained. Here’s how it all works.
The 2025 Barkley Marathons Begins with John Kelly Chasing a Historic Fourth Finish
Only 20 Have Finished—Will 2025 Add to Barkley’s Elite List?
