The Great World Race and the Barkley Marathons: What extreme races reveal about us

Some people sign up for a 5K. Some people sign up for a race with a secret start time, no marked course, and books hidden in the woods. Or seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.  We have questions. Meet Jared Campbell, the only person ever to finish the Barkley Marathons four times - a secretive, nearly mythic race through the Tennessee woods with an unmarked course, brutal climbs, and pages torn from hidden books as proof you were there. And Dr. Lisa Kenton is an ER doctor who pushed through ice, heat, and near-total exhaustion in the Great World Race, fueled by a cause close to her heart.   Suggested episodes: Extreme ironing, cheese rolling, and shin kicking: The world of weird sports  From wingsuit BASE jumping to record-breaking South Pole expeditions with Ellen Brennan Frat and Liv Arnesen  A marathon swimmer and ultrarunner: surviving cancer, breaking records  Banjo Man, 'Woo Woo' Wickers and UConn Huskies superfans share their love of the game  Roller skating as community, competition, and transformation Multiple sclerosis tried to bench her. Karen Smith won gold instead    GUESTS:  Jared Campbell: the only four-time finisher of the Barkley Marathons - one of the world’s most punishing, quirky, and mysterious races Dr. Lisa Kenton: emergency room doctor at The Hospital of Central Connecticut who completed the Great World Race - seven marathons on seven continents in seven days - in November 2025. She dedicated the journey to raising awareness and funds for Malan syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects her niece and nephew. Support the show: https://www.wnpr.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.