WINNIPEG – It’s a race where speed comes second to survival.
A competition filled with unknowns. Coincidentally, so was the event itself until just a few months ago.
The Barkley Marathons, also known as the toughest trail race in the world, has become more familiar thanks to a recently released documentary.
Winnipegger Michael Anderson is one of two Manitobans known to have taken on the challenge.
“For me, it was a bucket list item,” Anderson said.
“We were looking for the hardest thing to find. We found the Barkley.”
The Barkley Marathons is a 160-kilometre race through the Tennessee backwoods. If they complete all five laps, participants climb a total of 66,000 feet. Runners must complete five 32-kilometre loops within 60 hours.
Since The Barkley Marathons began in 1985, only 14 have finished it.
“When you look at the list of people who finished and what they accomplished, you get a sense of just how hard this race is,” Anderson said.
The now 37-year-old logged one loop in 11.5 hours before quitting when he ran the race in 2003.
“There was not even a thought about doing a second lap,” Anderson admitted. “I crawled into my sleeping bag and called it a day.”
It’s a performance he’s still proud of.
WATCH: Enduring the exhausting Barkley Marathons
The Barkley Marathons consists of an unmarked course that changes every year.
Books hidden in the woods work as checkpoints, making the race as unique as its founder.
Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell requires every participant write an essay and pay a $1.60 entry fee. He sends successful applicants a letter of condolence.
“I think he relishes the reputation the race has,” Anderson said. “But I think he has genuine respect and pride for the few that actually finish it.”
And also for those brave enough to even begin.