This recent Barkley participant argues against the despair element, while fully accepting the preceding elements of the loss cycle. The Barkley Marathons have long provided new racers with the all too human cycle of loss as perceived by someone in love: unadulterated hope followed by an insurmountable physical and emotional experiment often times ending with failure and despair. “A Racer’s ‘Out There’ Experience Over Fool’s Weekend, 2012” The following is Will's fascinating acount of that hideously glorious day. Only 13 people have finished this race since 1986. Not a chance in hell I'd try it myself though.Fleet Feet Nashville race team member Will 'The Thrill' Arnold was lucky(?) enough to be invited to participate in this year's 100 mile Barkley Marathons, considered by many to be the worlds toughest foot race. It is heart breaking and it makes for gripping viewing. With no markers and no GPS, can't you cheat? No, there are books at various points in the woods and you have to find them all, tear out the page that matches your race number (that changes each loop) and get a full set. but you only have 60 hours to complete it. Completely solo, no help, no markers, no water stations, intentionally fluid organisation, even no set start time. Most people don't complete 1 Lap, never mind all 5. 5 laps, in daylight and at night, going opposite directions on each loop. Invite only and limited to 40 entrants per year, to tackle a 130(ish) mile course, across mind bogglingly hard terrain that you have to navigate yourself, with map/compass, no GPS.

Low-fi homespun logistics tying together possibly the nuttiest and toughest course on the planet. I've heard of The Barkley Marathons before, but this doc really nails it. Reviewed by garethcrook 8 / 10 Inspiring and heart breaking.

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