The Barkley Marathons is one of the most mysterious and brutal ultramarathons in the world. Each year, a small, elite group of runners descends on Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park to test their limits against an unforgiving course with nearly impossible odds. If you’re following along and need a quick refresher on how the race works, here’s what you need to know.
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- Location: Frozen Head State Park, near Wartburg, Tennessee
- Start Time:
- Announced via conch shell blown 1 hour before the race begins
- Start can happen at any time between midnight and noon
- This year’s start: March 18 at 11:37 a.m. ET
- Distance:
- 5 loops, each estimated at 20+ miles (unmarked, varies yearly)
- Total course: ~120 miles (193 km) with over 60,000 feet (18,288 m) of elevation gain
- Time Limit: 60 hours total to complete all 5 loops
- Navigation:
- No GPS devices allowed
- Runners must use map and compass to navigate the backcountry course
- Book Pages:
- 13 books are hidden per loop
- Each runner must collect 1 page per book, matching their bib number
- A missed page = disqualification
- Runners receive a new bib number each loop
- Aid:
- Minimal support – water jugs at select points
- No formal aid stations or pacers allowed
- Entrants:
- Capped at ~40 runners per year
- Entry process is secretive and by application only
- History:
- First held in 1986
- 20 runners have finished as of 2024, with 26 total finishes
- Finish rate: <2%
