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In the Spell of the Barkley book cover
Best for Ultrarunning Enthusiasts

In the Spell of the Barkley

by Michiel Panhuysen

Audiobook Narrated by Rupert Holliday-Evans 5 hrs and 14 mins

Listen to a Sample

Free with Audible trial · Amazon buyer protection

The Barkley Marathons is perhaps the world's most notorious ultramarathon—a race so brutal that most years, no one finishes. Set in the unforgiving wilderness of Tennessee's Frozen Head State Park, competitors face unmarked trails, treacherous terrain, and a cutoff time that seems almost impossible to meet.

This compelling exploration delves into the psychology and obsession that drives runners to repeatedly attempt this near-impossible challenge. Through vivid storytelling and intimate portraits of participants, it reveals what happens when human determination collides with seemingly insurmountable odds. More than just a chronicle of extreme endurance, this is a meditation on why we push ourselves to the very edge—and what we discover about ourselves when we do.