The Impossible Ultra

The Back of the Pack Podcast: Second Wind dives into the legendary Barkley Marathons this week, an ultramarathon so brutal it's been dubbed "The Race That Eats Its Young." Join us as we explore this mysterious 100+ mile event through Tennessee's unforgiving Frozen Head State Park, where runners navigate by compass through briar-filled terrain with 65,000 feet of elevation change. Discover the eccentric traditions created by founder "Lazarus Lake," from the unpredictable cigarette-lit start to the somber playing of "Taps" for fallen runners. With only 22 finishers since 1986, this isn't just an ultramarathon—it's an almost mythical challenge that represents the outer limits of human endurance. Whether you're an aspiring ultrarunner or just fascinated by extreme sporting events, you won't want to miss this deep dive into one of running's most notorious and captivating challenges.