History of Barkley Marathons in Timeline

The Barkley Marathons, an ultramarathon in Tennessee's Frozen Head State Park, is notorious for its extreme difficulty, bizarre traditions, and selective entry process. Dubbed "The Race That Eats Its Young," only a handful of runners have finished it since 1995, underscoring its grueling nature. The event is characterized by unmarked trails, treacherous terrain, and demanding time constraints, contributing to its legendary status within the ultrarunning community.

1977: James Earl Ray's escape inspires the Barkley

In 1977, the escape of James Earl Ray from Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary inspired Gary Cantrell to create the Barkley Marathons.

1986: The First Barkley Marathons

In 1986, the first Barkley Marathons race was held with a course of approximately 50–55 miles and a 24-hour time limit.

1988: First Finish of the Barkley

In 1988, "Frozen" Ed Furtaw became the first person to finish the original short version of the Barkley course in 32 hours and 14 minutes.

1989: Course Extension

In 1989, the Barkley course was extended, with the 55-mile version referred to as "the short one" and the 100-mile version referred to as "the long one."

1991: Suzi Thibeault and Nancy Hamilton Complete Fun Run

In 1991, Suzi Thibeault and Nancy Hamilton completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' at Barkley Marathons.

1993: Nancy Hamilton Completes Fun Run again

In 1993, Nancy Hamilton completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' again at Barkley Marathons.

1994: Suzi Thibeault Completes Fun Run again

In 1994, Suzi Thibeault completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' again at Barkley Marathons.

1995: Introduction of Current Race Format

In 1995, the Barkley Marathons introduced the current 20-mile lap system with a 60-hour cut-off time. Mark Williams became the first person to finish the full longer version of the race in 59:28:48.

1995: Barkley Marathons Difficulty

In 1995, the Barkley Marathons was known for its extreme difficulty, application process, and traditions, with only 26 completions by 20 runners since 1995.

2000: Sue Johnston Completes Fun Run

In 2000, Sue Johnston completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' at Barkley Marathons.

2001: Best women's achievement before Paris

In 2001, Sue Johnston completed 66 miles at Barkley Marathons, and before Jasmin Paris' 2024 run, that was the best women's achievement in the event.

2001: Sue Johnston starts 4th loop

In 2001, Sue Johnston started the fourth loop of Barkley Marathons.

2002: Race Cancellation

In 2002, the Barkley Marathons race was canceled due to the temporary closure of Frozen Head State Park.

2006: Runner Gets Lost

In 2006, during Barkley Marathons, a 75-year-old runner became lost for 32 hours after covering just two miles of the course.

2006: No Finisher

In 2006, nobody finished even the 60-mile "fun run" in under 60 hours at the Barkley Marathons.

2009: Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary Closure

In 2009, Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary closed, which eventually allowed it to become part of the Barkley course.

2010: Furtaw's Book Release

In 2010, Ed Furtaw released his book Tales From Out There: The Barkley Marathons, The World's Toughest Trail Race.

2012: Beverley Anderson-Abbs Completes Fun Run

In 2012, Beverley Anderson-Abbs completed the 3 loop 'Fun Run' at Barkley Marathons.

2012: Barkley Marathons Race covered by film

In 2012, The Barkley Marathons race was covered in the documentary film The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young, released in 2014, which caused a rise in its popularity.

2013: Race participation

By 2013, nearly 800 runners had competed in the Barkley Marathons, with only twelve people finishing that version of the race.

2013: Finishers' Backgrounds

In 2013, Cantrell stated that most Barkley Marathons finishers had a science or engineering background, and all except one had an advanced degree.

2013: Controversy over media attention

In 2013, during the Barkley Marathons, race veterans were opposed to news reporting about it, while younger athletes wanted it to receive recognition.

2013: Barkley Marathons Application Taunt

In 2013, the Barkley Marathons application taunted that women were "too soft" to complete the race.

2013: Book Titles and Themes

In 2013, the book titles in Barkley Marathons contained themes of death and darkness, such as Death Walks the Woods, Heart of Darkness, and A Time to Die.

2014: Documentary Film Release

In 2014, documentary film The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young was released, covering the 2012 edition of the race, which caused a rise in its popularity.

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2017: Gary Robbins' Near Miss

In 2017, Gary Robbins reached the finish gate six seconds after the 60-hour cut-off at the Barkley Marathons, but was disqualified due to taking a wrong turn.

2019: Death of Barry Barkley

In 2019, Barry Barkley, the namesake of the Barkley Marathons, passed away at the age of 70.

2019: Establishment of Berkeley Marathons

In 2019, the Berkeley Marathons, a tribute race in the United Kingdom, was established by Paul Breen following a suggestion from Lazarus Lake.

2020: Event Cancellation

In 2020, the Barkley Marathons event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2023: Jasmin Paris Completes Fun Run

In 2023, British runner Jasmin Paris became the fourth woman to complete the 3 loop 'Fun Run' and only the second to start the 4th loop at the Barkley Marathons.

2023: Cantrell places one book

In 2023, Gary Cantrell only placed one of the 13 books for the Barkley Marathons due to ailing health, and a day hiker removed one of the books, causing some confusion.

2023: Paris' Performance

Prior to Jasmin Paris's finish in 2024, as well as her 2023 performance (getting to the 9th book on the 4th lap), the best women's achievement was Sue Johnston's 66 miles in 2001.

2024: Jasmin Paris First Woman Finisher

In 2024, Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete all five loops of the Barkley Marathons within the time limit, finishing 99 seconds before the 60-hour cut-off.