The Barkley Marathons 2025 proved to be as challenging as ever, with no official finishers this year. However, amidst the grueling course, John Kelly managed to complete a three-loop ‘Fun Run,’ offering some consolation in the face of the race’s extreme difficulty. The Barkley Marathons, conceived by Laz Lake, have seen only a total of 20 finishers in over 30 years, a feat so rare that it surpasses the number of humans who have journeyed to the moon.

Expectations were high this year, especially after recent years saw an increase in finishers, including the first female finisher, Jasmin Paris, in the previous edition. With 40 participants taking on the challenge, the difficulty level was significantly elevated, evident from the early stages of the race. Only 10 runners managed to complete the first loop within the time limit, with the number dwindling to just four after the second loop.

Among the remaining contenders were Japan’s Tomokazu Ihara, the experienced American runner John Kelly, and the French duo of Sébastien Raichon and Maxime Gauduin. As Gauduin dropped out, the others faced a tough prospect of finishing within the designated time frame. Ultimately, the ‘Fun Run,’ covering three loops in 40 hours, became the more feasible goal for the participants.

The real race shifted towards completing the ‘Fun Run’ as the runners on Loop 3 were unable to advance to the next loop due to time constraints. The cut-off for achieving ‘Fun Run’ status loomed, with adverse weather conditions adding to the already intense atmosphere of the race. John Kelly emerged as the sole finisher of the ‘Fun Run,’ crossing the line just minutes before the deadline, showcasing his exceptional endurance and determination.

Despite Raichon coming agonizingly close to completing the ‘Fun Run,’ Kelly stood as the only runner to achieve this feat. The 2025 Barkley Marathons concluded with no official finishers, underscoring the brutal nature of the race and the immense challenge it poses to even the most seasoned ultramarathon runners. John Kelly’s achievement in completing the ‘Fun Run’ stands as a testament to the unforgiving yet awe-inspiring spirit of the Barkley Marathons.