The Barkley Marathons, known as one of the most grueling ultramarathons in the world, concluded its 2025 edition with a notable milestone—no finishers for the first time since 2022. This event, held annually in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, is notorious for its challenging course and elusive finish rate. The 2025 race was no exception, with only one runner, three-time finisher John Kelly, managing to complete three loops before withdrawing, securing a “fun run” status by finishing loop three in 39 hours, 50 minutes, and 27 seconds, just 10 minutes under the cut-off. Race founder Gary “Lazarus Lake” Cantrell and his team had seemingly created a course that was too formidable, as only two other runners made it to loop three, each failing to finish.
The Barkley Marathons have a dubious history of tough courses, and this year was believed to be even more demanding due to a newly introduced 45-minute section that challenged all participants. The combination of harsh terrains, lack of course markings, and weather elements made navigation exceedingly difficult, which is a hallmark of this infamous race. Keith Dunn, the Chief Resident Tweeter for the Barkley Marathons, noted the event’s outcome was historical, marking the 25th occurrence in 40 years where no runner completed the race—a testament to the course’s reputation as “the world’s hardest race.”
Participants in the event faced a series of physical and mental challenges over a format consisting of five loops, each ranging from 20 to 26 miles. Runners are given a total of 60 hours to complete all loops. Kelly’s timeline illustrates the complexity of the course: after running loop three, he had just over 20 hours left to finish the remaining two loops, but fatigue, sleep deprivation, and worsening conditions weighed against him as he decided to withdraw. The circumstances surrounding this year’s race not only reflect individual limits but also the daunting nature of the Barkley course itself.
Since its inception over 40 years ago, just 20 individuals have successfully completed the Barkley Marathons. This makes it one of the most exclusive ultrarunning events globally. With an unpredictable start time determined by the organizers, a romanticized lore envelops the event. The anticipation builds each year as runners and spectators alike wait for the race to commence, which traditionally involves a dramatic and quirky start, including a “brief memorial” for those risking the race.
This year, the weather was unexpectedly pleasant, with sunny conditions that defied the expectations of a harsh atmosphere typically welcomed by race organizers to increase difficulty. However, these ideal running conditions did little to assist competitors facing the grueling course filled with steep inclines, dense flora, and treacherous navigation. Past editions with favorable weather saw more finishers, making this year’s outcome particularly noteworthy—runners were up against not only the physical challenge of the trails but also an evolving course designed to thwart even the most experienced ultrarunners.
Among this year’s participants was John Kelly, who is striving to equal the record of four finishes set by Jared Campbell. Kelly’s experience and determination will serve him well if he decides to return for the 2026 race. While current discussions reflect disappointment over the lack of finishers this year, many in the ultrarunning community celebrate the preservation of the Barkley Marathons’ fierce reputation. The event cultivates a culture where the challenges faced are revered as an integral aspect of its allure and complexity.
For those interested in learning more about the Barkley Marathons, including its rules, history, and the lore surrounding it, [visit this comprehensive guide](https://run.outsideonline.com/news/barkley-marathons-2024/). This intriguing race continues to attract fans and participants, drawing attention each year as it remains shrouded in secrecy, pushing the boundaries of what ultrarunning can be. Despite the absence of finishers in 2025, excitement and anticipation for the event’s future continue to thrive, ensuring that the Barkley Marathons will remain a sought-after experience in the ultrarunning community.
