The Barkley Marathons is one of the toughest running races in the world, with layers of mystery to it. Since its inception in 1986, only 20 runners have ever completed it. The 2025 race began at 11:37 A.M. Eastern on Tuesday, March 18, at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee, with all eyes on whether anyone will cross the finish line this year.

A year after a record five runners finished the grueling and quirky Barkley Marathons last March, this year’s edition near Wartburg, Tennessee was much tougher. Despite mild weather and relatively good conditions,

After Jasmin Paris became the first woman to complete ultra running's most mysterious and challenging race, the organizers have made the course even harder