Barkley Marathon 2026

[d_baker]

I just saw this. I still don't understand Barkleys...

[justiner]

I don't wanna use the word "contrived" but I don't know what else to call the setup. That's the whole essence of the event. The RD would probably agree.

What Gary has done for the ultra scene is beyond immense. His sole purpose has been to challenge and push people to do things once thought impossible. He is probably the single most influential person in ultrarunning and the Barkley is just one aspect.

I'm not really a hero worshiper. And I had a pretty rough childhood, so I'm particular when it comes to my own hobby pain and suffering and the what and why of it all. Maybe it attracts people who have had easier lives filled with loving and supportive families lol.

[Gulf_Coast_Hiker]

None of these races in TN seem very difficult, do we have apples or oranges?

https://gotrail.run/en/calendar/united-states/tennessee

Exactly. Hiking Pikes Peak or running the PPA/PPM are difficult for sure, but are reasonably accomplished by mere mortals and even flatlanders like me.

The Barkley is in a totally different category, with only a handful of finishers and so difficult that many world class athletes have tried and failed miserably.

It would be fun to see some of the great athletes here on 14ers.com attempt the Barkley.

[seannunn]

None of these races in TN seem very difficult, do we have apples or oranges?

https://gotrail.run/en/calendar/united-states/tennessee

Exactly. Hiking Pikes Peak or running the PPA/PPM are difficult for sure, but are reasonably accomplished by mere mortals and even flatlanders like me.

The Barkley is in a totally different category, with only a handful of finishers and so difficult that many world class athletes have tried and failed miserably.

It would be fun to see some of the great athletes here on 14ers.com attempt the Barkley.

I definitely agree with that last line.
There are some skills needed for the Barkleys that maybe aren't needed for, say, Nolan's 14. But overall the skill sets required are quite similar.
In terms of great athletes in both realms, Brett Mauney (sp?) is a Barkley finisher, and might have broken CaveDog's 14ers FKT had he not infamously been felled by a bad chicken sandwich on Pike's Peak.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO

[seannunn]

Just watched the YouTube video. Looks like it was rainy weather, although not exceedingly cold (no one was wearing sock caps, even in the support groups).
But I have always said that 45 and raining is colder than 20 and dry. That would be especially true in an event where you were going to be out in it for potentially 60 hours.
Even so, it surprised me to see only one person even finish 3 laps. There were several professional ultra-trail runners there, so it wasn't like it was a weak field.

Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO