This year, no competitor managed to complete the Barkley Marathons, the now-famous trail race held in Tennessee. The course was grueling, as evidenced by footage from the 2025 edition.

With its unique five-loop format to be completed within a strict time limit, its 160 km distance, 20,000 meters of elevation gain, nearly impassable trails, and the enigmatic persona of its creator, Lazarus Lake, the Barkley has surged in popularity in recent years.

Considered one of the hardest races to finish, it lived up to its legend this year with a course far tougher than the 2024 edition, which saw five finishers. Despite the runners’ relentless efforts to meet cutoffs and push forward for another loop, no one found the key to success this time.