Sunday, December 28, 2008

BARKLEY: MY NEXT CHALLENGE

I just learned that I have been unlucky enough to have been selected for the 2009 edition of the Barkley marathons. This is a 100 mile running event that is considered the hardest event of that distance. It takes place in Frozen Head state park in Tennessee. From Matt Mahoney's website:

The Barkley is considered one of the toughest 100 mile races in the world. It has 52,900 feet of climb (and 52,900 feet of descent), more than any other 100 mile race, more than the 33,000 ft. of climb at Hardrock, and more than the 45,000 ft. at Nolan's 14. Since the race began in 1986, only 7 runners out of about 650 have finished within the 60 hour cutoff. The race consists of 5 20-mile loops with no aid except for water at two points. The cutoffs for the 100 mile race are 12 hours per loop. The 60 mile "fun run" has a cutoff of 40 hours, or 13:20 per loop. To prove you completed each loop, you must find 9 to 11 books (varies) at various points along the course and return a page from each book.

Click here for an interesting Washington Post article.

Well, I guess I need to start training! Below is my predicted race photo somewhere within the first 2 loops:

6 comments:

Mark Tanaka (Ultrailnakaman) said...

I just noticed Homer Simpson has 2 hairs on the top of his head. You will need to explain this.

I sort of thought you were going to try this in the next year or too. No envy, just congratulations.

Alan said...

Probably not hair - more like snakes from Frozen Head park :)

Bill Andrews said...

Hi,
I'm also in Barkley this year. And, I'm also in Keys 100 and hoping to be in Badwater again. So, we'll be seeing a lot of each other this year.
I'm also in Western States.
Happy New Year and good luck with your 2009 endeavors.
-Bill Andrews

Alan said...

Bill:

That is awesome! I don't have a lot of delusions about finishing Barkley - just knock off as many loops as possible. I really want to make Badwater my main race in '09 if accepted. I would like to P.R. at Keys - you will love that race. Planning on Spartathlon too. My WS100 isn't until 2011. Oh well.

Unknown said...

oh yes.

i can't wait to hear about this one.

good luck Alan - I'll see ya in the Keys.

Tatiana said...

Sounds great - congratulations!!!

... and yes, please, post the pictures of the each loop finish!

Tatiana