To mark a runner’s failure, a bugle is played. If runners complete the first three loops in under 40 hours, it is considered a successful completion of the “fun run” version of the race, though that is usually a failed attempt at the main event. The full five-loop course must be completed in 60 hours, or 12-hours per each 32-kilometre loop. This year’s racers faced rain, lightning and cold temperatures. There are no rain delays for the Barkley, which after the ceremonial lighting of a cigarette. Having Reed his son there is a huge motivation for him as well.”Īnd motivation is needed during the punishing and bizarre competition in Tennessee’s Frozen Head State Park. “She knows exactly what he needs and when he needs it and what he’s feeling or what he’s thinking. Langford credits Robbins’ family - wife Linda and son Reed - for getting him through the highs and lows of the race. “The weather and the course got the better of everybody this year,” said Geoff Langford of Ridgeline Events, Robbins’ friend and business partner. This was the first year since 2015 that no runners finished.

Since 1986, only 15 runners have completed all five loops. Last year, at some point on the fifth and final loop, he got confused in fog on the unmarked course and arrived at the finish line from the wrong direction. Using maps, participants guide themselves five times through an unmarked 32-kilometre loop with no aid stations, and only two water stops.Įach year has been an emotional defeat for Robbins.

At the 2018 Barkley Marathons, it was the course - not its runners - that was the victor again.įor North Vancouver’s Gary Robbins, it was the third time he was bested by the 160-kilometre ultramarathon through Tennessee backcountry.

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