Because the clock hit 24 hours on the 2025 Barkley Marathons, zero rivals had accomplished two loops of the course. This implies this 12 months’s race will seemingly don’t have any finishers. In line with the principles, runners should full two loops in underneath 24 hours to be eligible for 5 loops.
If any of the six rivals who began their second loop full it in underneath 26 hours and half-hour, they’re eligible to move again out for a 3rd loop, which, if accomplished in underneath 40 hours, is deemed “a enjoyable run.” By the point of publication, Japan’s Tomokazu Ihara, who was aiming for his first end in his sixth go on the course, was the one runner to complete two loops in 24:32:50, and elected to move out for a 3rd (an try at a enjoyable run).
24 hours into the #BM100 no runners have accomplished Loop 2.
— Keith (@keithdunn) March 19, 2025
The unseasonably heat climate has reportedly performed a significant position within the course circumstances this 12 months, with 85 per cent of the sphere dropping out by the tip of the primary loop or shortly into the second. On Tuesday and into Wednesday, temperatures at Frozen Head (the state park in northeastern Tennessee the place the race takes place), climbed to 72 F (22 C). Final 12 months, 12 runners completed the second loop in underneath 24 hours.
Among the many six remaining rivals, two have been recognized: seasoned veteran, and three-time finisher John Kelly (USA) and Japan’s Ihara. Three Canadian runners began the race, together with Barkley veteran Jodi Isenor of Nova Scotia, however none accomplished the primary loop throughout the 12-hour cutoff.
The occasion is masterminded by Gary Cantrell, higher often known as Laz Lake, who created the race in 1986. It was impressed by the notorious jail escape of James Earl Ray, convicted of assassinating American civil rights chief Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1967. Ray’s tried escape from Brushy Mountain penitentiary—now deserted—types a part of the legend and the race’s difficult course. The precise distance of the course varies, however the race is estimated to span no less than 120 miles (192 km), with important elevation acquire and tough terrain. Runners have a 60-hour restrict to complete. GPS gadgets are prohibited; contributors are issued an affordable watch set to “Barkley time” (the 60-hour restrict).
Not like most ultramarathons, the Barkley has no reside monitoring. Updates come completely from Keith Dunn on X or through his BlueSky Social, who shares reside info from the primary campsite as he observes occasions unfold.