Races

The Barkley Marathons: 'The Race That Eats Its Young'

Arguably the most unique, bizarre and challenging trail race in the world, The Barkley Marathons is a sporting event like no other.

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Staged in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, USA, the 100-mile suffer-fest is known as 'The Race That Eats Its Young' and sees runners attempt to complete an ultra-marathon so tough that, before this year, only 17 people have reached the finish line since 1986. All of those finishers were male. 

Step forward Britain's Jasmin Paris. Determined, focused and in the words of John Kelly, extremely persistent.

Last weekend, she made Barkley history by becoming the first ever female finisher, along with race winner Ihor Verys, John Kelly, Jared Campbell and Greig Hamilton, who all completed 5 laps under the 60-hour cut off.

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'If you're going to face a real challenge, it needs to be a real challenge. You can't accomplish anything without the possibility of failure'

Lazarus Lake, Race Organiser of The Barkley Marathons

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Here, in the form of photo diary, British photographer David Miller gives us a little insight into the 2024 edition of The Barkley Marathons.
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Pictured: A moment in history. The moment Jasmin Paris touched the gate becoming finisher number 20 and the first ever female finisher of the Barkley Marathons. Arguably one of the greatest sporting achievements of all time.

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Pictured: The worst case scenario is the starting line. Don’t do it.

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Pictured: The one and only Lazarus Lake. The mastermind behind the Barkley.

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Pictured: Ratjaw. Yes those are briars and yes the runners get cut to bits on a STEEP gradient.

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Pictured: A crowd's perspective on John Kelly’s third Barkley finish.

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'For some people, just to get back to camp alive, is all they want in the world.'

Lazarus Lake, Race Organiser of The Barkley Marathons

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Pictured: The photo you didn’t know you needed to see today.

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Pictured: It’s a sign and it’s the truth.

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Pictured: 2024 finishers Jared Campbell and Greig Hamilton cooling off at the tower.

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Pictured: The infamous Ratjaw. This is the only location on the course where spectators/crew can see the runners.

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Pictured: If you know you know…

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All images are copyright protected.
You can follow David on Instagram and Strava

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