The race where almost everyone fails. Secret entry, unmarked course, 60-hour cutoff.
No markets yet for this race.
Barkley Marathons 2026 on March 28, 2026 brings a strong field rated 85/100. Jim Walmsley 🇺🇸 leads our projections at 33.4%, with Kilian Jornet 🇪🇸 in close pursuit at 23.5%.
Watch for the head-to-head between Jim Walmsley and Kilian Jornet — our model has them separated by only 9.8 points. Mathieu Blanchard 🇫🇷 (16.2%) adds a wildcard element. Course knowledge and pacing strategy will be decisive in the closing stages.
Conditions of Unpredictable at 0-20°C are near-ideal for endurance performance. Variable may factor into pacing strategy, particularly in the second half. No major weather-related disruptions expected.
Jim Walmsley to win. With 0 days to go, barring injury, this looks like a strong favorite performance.
Course record: 52:03:08. Frozen Head, TN hosts this ~130 miles event.