The 2025 Barkley Marathons: An Update from the Course

The 2025 edition of the Barkley Marathons, one of the most grueling and mysterious ultra-races in the world, is underway at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee. As of March 18, 2025, at 11:37 a.m. Eastern Time, the race began with its traditional signal—the lighting of a cigarette by race founder Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, marking the start of a legendary test of endurance, mental toughness, and sheer willpower.

The Challenge of the Barkley Marathons

The Barkley Marathons is a five-loop race, each loop covering about 20 miles, making the total race distance roughly 100 miles. What makes the event especially brutal is the difficulty of the terrain and the time constraints—runners have a 12-hour window to complete each loop, and the full race must be completed in 60 hours. There are no aid stations, and the course is known for being unforgiving, with a constant threat of disorientation and exhaustion. Only 15 individuals have completed the full race in its 39-year history.

Notable Participants

This year's race has attracted a strong field of competitors, including seasoned ultrarunners, veterans of the Barkley Marathons, and first-timers looking to make their mark. Here's a look at some of the standout participants:

John Kelly: A three-time Barkley finisher (2017, 2023, 2024), Kelly is aiming for a historic fourth completion this year. Kelly is known for his mental resilience and ability to tackle the course’s grueling nature. He's one of the top contenders in the race.

Tomokazu Ihara: A Japanese ultrarunner attempting his first Barkley finish after multiple attempts. Ihara’s tenacity and experience make him a strong candidate to push through this year’s tough course.

Claire Bannwarth: A French ultrarunner and two-time winner of the Winter Spine Race, Bannwarth is taking on the Barkley Marathons for the first time. Her past performances demonstrate she has the skill set for such a demanding event.

Max King: Known for his impressive resume in ultrarunning, King secured his entry into the Barkley Marathons after winning the 2024 Dragon’s Back race. His experience in extreme endurance events makes him one to watch.

Kris Rugloski: A familiar face at the Barkley Fall Classic, Rugloski is now bringing her strength to the Barkley Marathons. Her performances in other extreme events, like the Toughest Mudder, have built her reputation as an endurance powerhouse.

Race Progress: Who’s Still in and Who’s Dropped?

The 2025 Barkley Marathons has already seen some tough withdrawals. As of the first few hours of the race:

First Withdrawal: Less than six hours into the race, the first runner withdrew after completing about five miles. The challenges of the race quickly became apparent, and the runner returned to camp, greeted by the sound of "Taps" played on a bugle, marking their exit.

Second Withdrawal: A second runner dropped out after seven hours, having only covered roughly seven miles. The brutal conditions of the course took their toll quickly.

Julien Chable: The latest runner to withdraw is Julien Chable, who had started loop two before dropping out. He was another strong contender, but the unforgiving nature of the race proved to be too much.

Despite these early withdrawals, six runners are still on the second loop as of the 22-hour mark, including John Kelly and Tomokazu Ihara. Their progress through the course remains uncertain, but their endurance is being tested to the absolute limit.

The Course and What Lies Ahead

The Barkley Marathons course is notoriously difficult. With only six runners still active at the 22-hour mark, it's a race against time. As the clock ticks toward the 60-hour finish line, competitors will face the brutal challenge of not just physical endurance, but mental strength—where the true test of the Barkley Marathons lies. Every runner has to battle their own mind as much as they battle the elements.

Real-Time Updates and Where to Follow the Race

For those following the event closely, live updates are being provided by Keith Dunn via Bluesky. He offers real-time updates on who’s still in, who’s dropped, and the progression of each loop. You can also find updates on various ultrarunning forums and social media platforms.

The Final Word

The Barkley Marathons is more than just a race; it’s an epic saga of human will and endurance. Each year, it draws in runners who believe they are capable of the impossible, only to face the reality of what the course demands. As we continue to follow the 2025 event, the question remains: How many will survive the full 100 miles? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more updates on this year’s Barkley Marathons!