This co-hosted podcast episode delves into the Barkley Marathons, an ultramarathon known for its extreme difficulty. The hosts begin by discussing the race's unusual origins, tied to the escape of James Earl Ray from Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary, and its founder, Gary Cantrell. They then detail the race's grueling aspects: a 100-mile (actually closer to 130 miles) course with 60,000 feet of elevation gain, a 60-hour time limit, and navigation challenges involving hidden books and compass use. Finally, they discuss the unique application process, the lack of prizes beyond finishing, and the strong sense of camaraderie among participants. The episode highlights the Barkley Marathons' extreme difficulty, with a completion rate of less than 2% and the unique methods used to make it nearly impossible to finish.
