Price: $87.75
This stunning photographic tribute celebrates the extraordinary individuals who have conquered the Barkley Marathons, one of the most enigmatic and challenging foot races on the planet. This is not your usual race: There is no online registration; participants are handpicked from those who creatively submit written applications along with a mere $1.60 entry fee. Only about 40 runners are invited each year, receiving their notice of acceptance with a cheeky condolence note from the race director. Set in the rugged Cumberland Mountains of Tennessee, the race unfolds amidst merciless terrains and severe vegetation, often under dreadful weather conditions and poor visibility. Participants are required to complete five grueling 20-mile loops – those who manage to finish only three are humorously awarded the ‘fun run’ distinction – with a total elevation gain equivalent to scaling Mount Everest twice. Since its inception in 1986, a mere 15 individuals have crossed the finish line. This remarkable book salutes their unimaginable feats.
Until recently, knowledge of this event was confined to a select few insiders. However, with the rising trend of trail running and the race’s exclusivity, allowing only participants and a limited press presence, it has gained legendary status. Through the lens of acclaimed ultrarunning photographer Alexis Berg and the words of L’Équipe journalist Aurélien Delfosse, we gain a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary athletic heroes – many of whom remain unrecognized in mainstream sports – who have triumphed over the race. Berg and Delfosse journeyed across the United States, from New Hampshire to Oregon via New Mexico, Colorado, California, and Utah, capturing breathtaking photographs and conducting insightful interviews with the finishers. Their stories provoke awe, admiration, and profound reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.