The Barkley Marathons is renowned as one of the most grueling ultrarunning races globally, making entry applications a daunting feat. As the countdown to the 2025 edition begins, runner Scott Snell exemplifies the complexities involved in attempting to secure a spot.
Securing one of the limited 40 entry positions for the Barkley Marathons is a multi-faceted challenge, with certain paths that might seem almost guaranteed. One way is to emerge as the last person standing in the preceding year’s Big’s Backyard Ultra. Another route is to be the first male or female finisher at the Barkley Fall Classic, both of which are unique challenges created by Barkley mastermind Laz Lake.
Facing the ‘Unchosen’ Email
Harvey Lewis, the 2023 winner of the Big’s Backyard Ultra, paved his path with the support of Ihor Verys, who would later make a name for himself during the following spring’s Barkley Marathons. In late 2024, it was Snell’s turn to shine, as he stepped forward with hopes of securing his ticket for the famed race.
However, as Snell recounts in his blog, the race that consumes its participants also has its share of uncertainties. He shares, “My race plans for 2025 have been somewhat uncertain… waiting to find out if my application would be accepted for a notoriously mysterious entry process.” Unfortunately for Snell, just weeks before Christmas, he received an “unchosen” email, confirming that he would not participate in the 2025 Barkley Marathons.
The Impact of FOMO
Transforming disappointment into resilience, Snell turned his focus toward other challenges. Recently, he triumphed in the Holly Springs Race Against The Sun, accomplishing a personal best of 100 miles in 17:22:31. Reflecting on his decision to apply for the Barkleys, Snell expressed concerns over his motives: “I believe I submitted my application for poor reasons… The Barkley has never been a race I intended to run.” These sentiments highlight the emotional complexities surrounding competitive racing.
Snell acknowledged that he felt compelled to apply due to a mix of perceived opportunity and obligation. Driven by hearsay that winning the Big’s Backyard guaranteed a Barkley spot if the application was submitted appropriately, he found himself caught in a whirlwind of hopes and expectations. “I thought I had a spot if I just applied… I told myself I shouldn’t waste this opportunity even if running the Barkleys wasn’t particularly high on my list of goals,” he confessed.
Finding Clarity and Freedom
Coming to terms with the rejection, Snell experienced a mix of shock and relief. Initially disheartened, he soon found that not participating in the Barkleys allowed him the freedom to explore other races without hesitation. “I feel more free to decide my path this year than in past years,” he noted, demonstrating a newfound clarity about his racing aspirations without the constraints of fear or obligation.
Snell’s experience with the Barkley Marathons entry process has shed light on the motives behind applying for challenging races. His journey exemplifies the spectrum of emotions ultrarunners face and emphasizes the importance of pursuing races that resonate personally rather than merely succumbing to external pressures. “FOMO became my biggest motivating factor… allowing fear to dictate my actions is something I try to avoid,” he reflected poignantly.
While Scott Snell’s aspirations to run the Barkley Marathons for 2025 may not materialize, his story serves as a reminder for runners everywhere that the journey towards self-discovery, fulfillment, and personal achievement holds more significance than any race title. With more opportunities ahead, Snell has the chance to redefine his path while continuing to inspire fellow runners.
