The Parkley Marathons 🐚

Every spring, the best ultrarunners in the world gather in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee to attempt the world's hardest endurance event - the Barkley Marathons.

Since the race's inception in 1986, only 20 people have completed the full, 100+ mile distance. What makes this race so special? There is no website or athlete guide. There is no set route. Runners navigate the wilderness using only a map and compass, collecting pages from hidden books to confirm completion of the various loops that constitute the course.

A couple of important things to clarify:

• Unlike the Barkley, we want as many people to finish as possible! This is not an ultramarathon. This is a fun scavenger hunt through GGP that welcomes trail runners of all experience levels!
• Where: Top of Strawberry Hill. This is where we'll set up the aid station and our post-run cookout!
• Route: Similar to the Barkley, there is no set route. Runners will get a paper map and set of hints at the beginning. The rest is for you to figure out!

How does this work?

• Every loop is ~4 miles and we will do 3 loops
• At the beginning of each loop, you will be assigned a new bib number. A loop is only considered "complete" if you return with page numbers from all the books in each loop that match you bib number.
• You can work together to find the books, but on the final loop you will be asked to start on your own.
• Complete the Parkley Marathons -> all 3 loops completed within 3 hours

Who is this for?

• Trail runners of all experience levels!
• Friends & family of GGTC