One of ultrarunning’s most iconic artifacts—the “Do Not Block Gate” sign from the Barkley Marathons—may soon be up for grabs.
For decades, the hand-lettered sign on the infamous yellow gate at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee has been a symbol of the near-impossible challenge.
Now, with the original sign recently replaced, race insiders are weighing the idea of auctioning it off to benefit the Barkley Fund, which helps keep this legendary race alive.
All of you recognize this sign, which is from the iconic Yellow Gate. This is the sign that was in the documentary; the sign Jasmin Paris collapsed next to when she finished the Barkley; the sign countless Barkers have passed as they ran the race . . . 1/2 pic.twitter.com/Op7Xln2an7
— Keith (@keithdunn) March 20, 2025
Every loop of the Barkley Marathons begins and ends at the yellow gate, with the “Do Not Block Gate” sign looming.
It’s been the backdrop for every photo, every tearful finish—or more often, failure.
Most recently, the sign was in the spotlight in 2024, when Jasmin Paris collapsed beneath it after becoming the first woman to ever finish the race, completing the 100-mile course with just 99 seconds to spare.
Race correspondent Keith Dunn, who provides the only consistent real-time updates during the event, broke the news on social media that the original sign had been taken down.
“This is the sign that was in the documentary; the sign Jasmin Paris collapsed next to… the sign countless Barkers have passed as they ran the race,” he posted. “This iconic sign has been replaced and we now have the opportunity to find this piece of Barkley history a home.”
What Is the Barkley Fund?
The Barkley Fund exists to cover the operational and logistical costs of hosting the Barkley Marathons.
Though the race has achieved near-mythic status in the ultrarunning world, it remains fiercely anti-commercial. There are no big sponsors, no prize money, and no corporate banners. The entry fee is comically modest—and runners are asked to bring items like a license plate from their home state.
In this context, the Barkley Fund is crucial.
It ensures that permits are secured and essential logistics are handled—all while keeping the race’s anarchic, grassroots spirit intact.
Proceeds from the sign’s auction would go directly to supporting this fund, helping race directors Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell and Carl Laniak continue hosting what many call the world’s hardest footrace.
