Known as “the race that eats its young,” the Barkley Marathons are known as one of the most brutal races on the planet. With a punishing 60-hour cutoff time and a 100-mile course that morphs with each iteration, the race’s creators, Gary “Laz” Cantrell and Karl Henn, drew inspiration from the unforgiving terrain of Frozen Head State Park and the notorious escape of James Earl Ray from the nearby Brushy Mountain State Prison. Since its inception in 1986, only 20 individuals have managed to conquer the full race.

The marathon’s entry process is shrouded in secrecy and intrigue, commencing with the lighting of a cigarette and daunting challenges, including climbs with a witty name like “Rat Jaw.” Designed to push participants to their absolute limits, it forces runners to confront the reality that quitting is not an option. However, despite its allure, the race has a darker side. Still, one person defied the odds, triumphing 38 years later.

Quitting: The darkest option at the Barkley Marathon

In an interview with Outside in 2013, Gary “Laz” Cantrell and Karl Henn discussed what makes the Barkley Marathons so hard that it’s difficult to even think of quitting. The course consists of five 20-mile loops around the park, totaling 100 miles, which include steep climbs, dense forests, and unpredictable weather conditions. Participants must find hidden checkpoints and navigate without GPS.

Laz described how the Barkley course could be emotionally devastating and how runners sometimes reached a point where they realized they couldn’t go on, often when facing a tough climb. Instead of being forced to stop by race officials, runners usually decide to quit on their own. However, quitting the Barkley Marathons was incredibly challenging. Laz shared, “People refer to it as the hardest race in the world to quit because it might take seven hours to get back to camp once you’ve decided that you’re defeated.”

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Some runners in the past have given up and left the course, hitchhiking back to the park from nearby highways. While sharing amusing race details, a significant moment emerged in this interview. In 2013, Laz boldly stated to Outside, “We publicly state that this race is too hard for women, and no woman can do it.” Now, 38 years later, let’s explore how this claim was ultimately proven wrong.

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How one woman proved Gary “Laz” Cantrell wrong

On March 23, 2024, Jasmin Paris of the U.K. shattered barriers by becoming the first woman to conquer the Barkley Marathons, finishing in an astonishing 59 hours, 58 minutes, and 21 seconds. Accompanied by four men who also completed the race, Paris set out on her fifth and final lap with just 13 hours remaining, marking her name in Barkley’s history.

Previously tackling the Fun Run in 2022 and 2023, Paris’s moment came with mere minutes to spare as she touched the yellow gate at the start-finish line. Her achievement marks a monumental milestone in the race’s legacy. As the Barkley Marathons continue in their timeless traditions, what are your thoughts on this grueling race? Comment below!

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