The 7 Best Barkley Marathons Documentaries on YouTube
The most mysterious and grueling ultramarathon takes place this month. When? Only race director Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell, his small crew, and 40 hand-picked entrants know the start date. What time? The epic adventure will officially begin sometime between midnight and noon on race day after Laz blows his conch (one hour to go) and lights his cigarette (start running). I’m pretty sure it will get underway this week, hoping soon, I have a lot of work to blow off.
The runners will have 60 hours to complete five body- and soul-crushing loops. Each loop is between 20-26 miles on extremely challenging, mostly off-trail terrain with a lot of climbing (50,000-60,000 feet of accumulated vertical climb) in Frozen Head State Park in Morgan County, Tennessee. Runners will have 60 hours to complete it. Most will not. Only 17 have finished since 1995.
Learn more about this fun time by watching these excellent films listed below, all free on TubeTube. Follow @keithdunn on Twitter (don’t call it X), he’ll let you know when the race starts and keep you up to date on everyone’s progress. Godspeed!
“The Barkley Marathons: The Race That Eats Its Young”
Directed by Annika Iltis & Timothy James Kane (2014)
Start with the granddaddy of all Barkley and ultrarunning films. “This award-winning, oddly inspiring, and wildly funny documentary reveals the sports world’s most guarded secret.”
“Where Dreams Go to Die – Gary Robbins and The Barkley Marathons”
Directed/Edited/Scored by Ethan Newberry (2018)
“Where Dreams Go To Die is a documentary created by Ethan Newberry that follows Canadian ultrarunner, Gary Robbins, during his two attempts at completing The Barkley Marathons, a 100+ mile event many consider the toughest endurance run on Earth. Spanning more than two years, this journey is emotional, powerful, and truly inspirational.”
“The Year The Barkley Won | 2018 Barkley Marathons”
Film by Jamil Coury and Run Steep Get High (2018)
“The 2018 Barkley Marathons from the perspective of participant Jamil Coury. Nobody finished.”
“Last Women Standing: The Barkley Marathons 2019”
Film by INOV8 (2019)
“In 2019, runner and breast cancer survivor Nicky Spinks attempted to become the first-ever woman to complete The Barkley Marathons – the world’s toughest ultra-running race. This film tells the story of Nicky, and her fellow female runners, as they battle treacherous terrain, wild weather, and the twisted mind of Barkley Marathon’s organizer, Lazarus Lake.”
“Out There – A Journey to the Barkley Marathons”
Film by Karel Sabbe (2020)
“This is the story of Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabbe (who holds the world records on two of the most epic trails in the world: the 4279km long Pacific Crest Trail and the 3500km long Appalachian Trail) attempting to complete one of the world’s toughest ultramarathons ”
“The 2023 Barkley Marathons Documentary”
Film shot, directed, and edited by Michael Dillon (2023)
“The Barkley Marathons are a race unlike any other. With over 100 miles of wild terrain and twice the elevation of climbing and descending Mt. Everest from sea level, it’s a race that expects runners to fail. This year, I was lucky enough to see the race in person as I documented Joe McConaughy’s first attempt at one of the most challenging races in the world. The film also features athletes Aurélien Sanchez, John Kelly, Karel Sabbe, Damian Hall, Jared Campbell, and Jasmin Paris.”
“#17 – To finish the Barkley Marathons”
Film by Karel Sabbe (2024)
“An unprecedented look into the psyche of Karel Sabbe in his attempt to finish the legendary Barkley Marathons. Through intimate interviews and captivating footage, viewers gain invaluable insights into the mindset required to endure the grueling challenges of the Barkley, making this documentary a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human determination and athletic prowess.”
For more great free films and documentaries, follow @TrailRunDocs for daily recommendations featuring professional and amateur runners competing in trail and mountain races all around the globe.
