In the world of ultra-trail, certain races have a reputation for being particularly gruelling. The Barkley is one of them. It is a race covering more than 160 km with a massive elevation gain, strict time limits and highly unusual rules. These many factors have earned it the reputation of being the toughest ultra-trail in the world.
Key takeaways:
- The Barkley was created in 1986 by Gary Cantrell following the escape of a prisoner in Tennessee.
- Only 40 people can take part in each edition, and their registration follows a process kept strictly secret.
- This ultra-trail takes place over 60 hours, covering 160 km, 18,000 metres of positive elevation gain, an unmarked course, unpredictable weather and zero assistance.
- In 2023, Aurélien Sanchez became the first French runner to achieve the feat of finishing the Barkley.
The origins of the Barkley
The world's toughest ultra-trail was created in 1986 in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, USA. The Barkley has its roots in a real-life event from 1977. That year, James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., escaped from Brushy Mountain Penitentiary. After a 55-hour manhunt through the Frozen Head forest, he was finally apprehended by police.
Inspired by this story, Gary Cantrell, nicknamed "Laz", devised an extreme race with his friend Karl Henn. The first edition brought together just 13 participants, who had to run 50 miles (80.5 km) in under 24 hours.
Over the years, the race evolved into its current format. Since 1995, runners must cover 100 miles (160.9 km), split across five loops, in under 60 hours. The loops are not run in the same direction, adding another layer of difficulty. For those who don't make it to the finish line, it is possible to claim the "Fun Run" — completing three loops in under 40 hours.
Entry requirements
Each year, only 40 participants are invited to the Barkley. However, entry is not open to all. Runners must have completed a rigorous ultra-trail training programme and track down Laz's contact details, which are kept secret. They must then send a cover letter by email on a specific date. If selected, participants must sign a legal waiver and pay the cool entry fee of $1.60 (one cent per kilometre covered).
The world's toughest ultra-trail takes place every year between late March and early April. Newly selected runners must bring a licence plate from their home country. They receive a map of the course the day before the event and are given just one hour's notice that the race is starting — signalled by a foghorn.
What makes the Barkley the toughest ultra-trail in the world
Time limits and elevation gain
Several factors make the Barkley the toughest ultra-trail in the world. First, participants must complete each of the five loops of the 160 km course within a maximum of 12 hours, in order to meet the 60-hour limit. They must also tackle 18,000 metres of positive elevation gain — nearly double that of the UTMB.
The unmarked course and the weather
Each year, the course changes and is only revealed the day before the event to prevent any reconnaissance or preparation. Participants move through an unknown environment, mostly off marked trails and in ever-changing weather (heat, rain, fog, frost…). They must therefore bring trail running clothing and trail shoes suited to all conditions.
No assistance and no GPS
During the race, participants have no assistance or aid stations, except at the start area. GPS devices and altimeters are banned, and they can only navigate using a map and compass. The absence of fixed landmarks, or the appearance of rivers after heavy rainfall, further increases the risk of getting lost.
Checkpoint confirmations
To validate the race, runners must confirm they have followed the course correctly. To do this, they receive a new bib number at each loop. They must then find books hidden at strategic points and tear out the page corresponding to their number.
Race duration
On top of the constraints of the race itself, the weather and navigation, participants must push their bodies to the limit. With the race lasting 60 hours, they must endure two consecutive sleepless nights to cross the finish line. This sleep deprivation, combined with physical exhaustion, can trigger visual and auditory hallucinations, forcing many to drop out.
Aurélien Sanchez's 2023 victory
Since 1995, only 21 participants have managed to finish the Barkley. Among them, French runner Aurélien Sanchez. After several years of training, he took part in the 2023 edition. While no participant had managed to complete the ultra-trail since 2017, three runners succeeded that year. Aurélien Sanchez finished in first place in 58 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds. He beat American John Kelly and Belgian Karel Sabbe.
Aurélien Sanchez's race was marked by a setback on the final loop. A hiker had picked up one of the books, meaning the French runner was unable to tear out his page. His loop was nonetheless validated, allowing him to claim finisher status. The following year, he attempted the race again but did not manage to finish.
While many races are considered extremely tough, the Barkley is widely regarded as the toughest ultra-trail in the world. Beyond the physical demands, runners must navigate accurately, cope with sleep deprivation, adapt to weather conditions and prepare themselves mentally.
