#17 - To finish the Barkley Marathons

"#"17 - To finish the Barkley Marathons" offers an unprecedented look into the psyche of Karel Sabbe in his attempt to finish the legendary Barkley Marathons. As the first documentary focusing on a finisher, it unveils Sabbe's mental fortitude and physical resilience in tackling the brutal course.
Through intimate interviews and captivating footage, viewers gain invaluable insights into the mindset required to endure the grueling challenges of the Barkley, making this documentary a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the intersection of human determination and athletic prowess.

[@Avenger99]

I love that KZbin keeps finding the Barkley marathon gems and delivering them to us with the algorithm we deserve. Congrats karel, you're a legend.

[@mytwosense]

It's cause Barkley is running right now!

[@e.k.1836]

This was def a planned move so the algorithm works in favor!🤓timing timing my guys

[@coreybaumy23]

Babe, wake up. A new Barkley doc just dropped.

[@AranenDen]

A few years ago I randomly stumbled across a documentary about the Barkley Marathons, this documentary inspired me to start running myself. This year I'm hoping to complete my first Ultra. It has been an incredibly journey and all of this thanks to great people like Karel who post their adventures online to inspire others.

[@whatisamodel8252]

Watching Berkley marathons docs got me back into running also! Good luck with the ultra!

[@doncarlospipely8852]

Good luck with the ultra mate

[@AranenDen]

@@whatisamodel8252 thanks, I really enjoy the training and look forward standing at the starting line. Do you have any specific goals?

[@AranenDen]

@@doncarlospipely8852 thanks a lot. I'll be sure to enjoy the experience!

[@bfg216]

That's amazing!

[@meepmeep1313]

Honestly the most phenomenal accomplishment of mind over body I've ever witnessed - eating peaches with tuna 32:35

[@LL-rb8wd]

Lol! 😂

[@aarnehalen1686]

Belgian specialty 😂

[@janinefellner2711]

I thought the same thing 🤯

[@noannellesky9360]

@@janinefellner2711 It's a delicious Belgian traditional dish (even better with a side of fries!). You take canned peaches (those in syrup), and you top the peach halves with canned tuna mixed with mayo (the Belgian kind, the recipe is defined by law), a tiny bit of ketchup and salt and pepper. As a vegetarian of nearly 10 years, it's the only dish I still miss haha. It's so good!

[@OrriTheFox]

Literally a couple of days ago I actually saw a video from Beryl Shewheawehas (the cooking channel) and someone recommended that dish!

[@wazeroonie6084]

I wish people would stop listening to celebrity and influencer snake-oil sales people, and start getting motivation and insight from people like this.

[@AnthonyRaynor]

1000% this comment!

[@NathanAus123]

The calm thoroughness of Joren is impressive, especially during the interloopals. The way he makes sure you have everything you need in an extremely efficient manner speaks to how long you guys have been doing this together. Well done to both of you.

[@karelsabbe8852]

I like that the film shows Joe's role and how incredibly important he is. He's such an amazing guy!

[@ForanLands]

Incredible! Really can't imagine a more dramatic ending, what an unreal performance and an amazing film. So interesting that in Joe's 2023 Barkley documentary, he had talked about how he wasn't feeling like Karel & Jared had any interest in running with him for loop 3 and beyond, so he goes to sleep - meanwhile here in this documentary, you can see Karel literally yelling for Joe at the gate to try to get the crew back together. Goes to show how perception can be so different between runners.

[@MrBaguety]

Went to the premiere in the cinema with a speech from the man himself. Great evening!

[@paulanthony1689]

It's remarkable that Karle was sick right before the race yet finished anyway. What an athlete! Hope he does it again sometime when fully healthy.

[@duhai1836]

Karel: "I think i lost all my toenails." Joren: "It doesn't matter if you finish." What an incredibly caring and motivating friend you have! The film really shows the importance of a good support ( team) . Can't say too many good things about him. Much love to both of you. Congrats on making it into the history books of Barkley and achieving your goal! Greetings from Germany.

[@benji104]

The camera work on the last 10 minutes was so fitting. It gives a glimpse of what he must have felt.

[@e.k.1836]

Yes!

[@nara9572]

The running community is so awesome. I have a playlist of videos to make me feel better when I’m feeling sad or unmotivated, and this video is definitely being added

[@kayakinggrandmakelly7105]

I hiked five miles to the fire tower and back yesterday and thought I was something! But I am not a runner and I have great respect for all of you! Just being there and trying is a huge deal. You all are winners in my book!

[@jessicasouthern3396]

I feel same way. I love Frozen head for short hikes but this is amazing to watch all these documentaries.

[@MassisPipes]

The most flemish part about running the Barkley is going "oh yes, peche tonijn!" at 7 AM after completing 2 loops! You're a legend Karel! I followed along during your performance and was super excited to hear your story first hand at the Nerdland Festival last year! Seeing you finish it once again in this film was an emotional rollercoaster all over.

[@noannellesky9360]

Not just flemish, truly Belgian 😜 Love a good pêche au thon!

[@Gorgotzolas]

Liked before even watching it

[@casvanbecelaere6454]

Same!

[@esteban98]

His #2 man, gold star!! What a friend, a companion, a support staff!

[@ohorguN]

Oh God.. just finished my long run and resting while watching this... u have made a 44 year old man in tears... Congratulations Karel... it was a beautiful journey n thank u for sharing and inspiring us all... big love from Indonesia..

[@KetieSaner]

You know you are in too deep, when KZbin shows you a doku just hours after upload. Good job, man! Congrats!

[@notoriousrjg]

That little moment between you two at 49:35 hit me in the feels. It’s like that first realization that it’s going to happen, and you’re both so locked in as a team, but still really caring for each other. Beautiful stuff!

[@zhukov43]

Climbing two Mount Everest in under 60 hours, anyone who finishes this race are gods among men, women and children, congratulations on beating the race.

[@sebastiangotzler5056]

I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes watching your adventure, Karel! WELL DONE! Your discipline and consequence pushing for that one big goal of yours is so so inspiring. Thank you for sharing this with us. AMAZING!

[@brutalstricker]

This is just Legendary.. I'm going to run my first 100k this May and Dokus like this, People like you Karel are motivating me beyond words. I was pretty scared at first but now I know that if i stay focused and keep on pushing it is possible and i will think on those words "If I'm going to finish it, it's not at all coming for free" Legend!

[@jolien1842]

Ik heb de film in premiere gezien in de cinema met een uitgebreide uitleg van Karel zelf over zijn avontuur. Een onvergetelijke avond! Ondertussen heb ik de film voor een 2de keer gezien op KZbin! Het is een unieke inkijk over een wedstrijd waar velen al van gehoord hebben maar de juiste details niet kennen! Bedankt Karel! 👍👍👍

[@bambaklats2891]

Karel, absolute legend. Had to hold my tears in the end. Also Joe, what a guy!

[@sba8710]

How did I not see this before? I’m a Barkley aficionado. His race last year was an inspiration.

[@Zane4428]

Karel, you among others like Gary Robbins, Courtney Dauwalter, Eliud Kipchoge, and Jeff Pelletier are such a great inspiration for myself to continue, enjoy and improve myself in this sport. I might not be(come) an ultra runner, but thanks to people like you I developed a great love and passion for running. Bedankt!

[@bend6799]

Very impressive performance. I helped a friend train for the Barkley. I would not wish that obsession on anyone. Way to see it through to the end.

[@UltraReegz]

Oh man...that was a rollercoaster. So proud of you Karel! Joren with the elite assist too. Shed a couple of tears at the finish there. No one can take that accomplishment away from you. It's yours forever! King Karel!

[@MrJannesV]

Karel Sabbe is my new spirit animal

[@therondc]

Even knowing how this ended, it was gripping to watch. Incredible work.

[@kattsmurf]

Just having a friend like Joren must be amazing. All those challenges over the years and having that constant support all through your lifes achievments must be one hell of a feeling. What a guy!

[@lizl1855]

So excited for this! I’ve been eagerly checking for updates and now it’s here! 😊

[@vanessawillson713]

Incredible! What an absolute inspiration. Thank you for sharing this with us Karel!

[@coffeemusings]

You are truly an inspiration Doc Karel!

[@gregduce7159]

Brilliant doc, thanks for sharing Karel, huge congrats !

[@ProximusRegent]

Every time it’s amazing! When they both realize they were seeing the same visions , deep in the woods on the last loop, really hit hard.

[@biswajitduttabaruah501]

Congratulations to Karel and Joe. What a run, what a finish. Amazing guys.

[@finding_health]

I'm not crying, you're crying! Such amazing synergy between runner and crew. Congratulations on an incredible accomplishment!!

[@ArohaKiwi]

A legend. Looking forward to this story Karel

[@indialeenaerts4037]

Speechless! You're an absolute legend, Karel 🫡

[@JeroenW76]

You are a HERO & LEGEND!!Unbelievable how you pushed yourself to the limits and beyond. Truly inspiring!!

[@gooutanddogreatthings]

I was waiting this for a long time. We cheered for you and celebrated your completion from miles away! Incredible achievement and a checkmark on Barkleys! Chapeau sir!

[@nosirrahm]

Great documentary. I find the Barkley Marathons series so intriguing. Great job.

[@tonynav9489]

This was absolutely incredible to watch. Congratulations and thanks for sharing this insane journey!!

[@andrewdennehy9458]

Amazing. I’ve started running for fitness 9 months after an ACL injury. This movie has inspired me to stop. ❤

[@4SlowFashion]

knowing when to stop is sometimes better than winning

[@W13n3n]

You are a true hero Karel!! A great example of how the human body can expend beyond what most think isn't even possible!! You're documentaries are so inspiring to watch, and are one of the reasons i'll keep expending my own (trailrunning) limits!! Thanks for that! ❤

[@pavel55339]

I love how humble everyone seems

[@jennifersullivan2718]

Wow Karel! Congratulations on your victory! And congrats to your team for their commitment to your success!

[@osmoduh]

You are a legend! What a great movie with exceptional storytelling.

[@treyonly]

So Awesome! Much Respect Karel!!!

[@snoeksie]

Already my favorite documentary for this year! You are an ultra source of inspiration who proves that we are capable of much more than you initially think. This not only translates to running but also to the rest of life. Really amazing. Thanks for making this film Karel + team & family.

[@MultiGuvnor]

I can barely run a bath, what you have achieved is incredible, I was glued to the screen throughout, so impressive!

[@pablo_elizalde]

What an awesome story, what an inspiration you are, and how amazing to have a friend like Joren!

[@TTaylorDownhill]

Such an incredible display of endurance. I have no doubt that 17 will forever be the most beautiful number to you 🖤

[@nowrockyourheartout]

Captures the event so brilliantly. Well done and thank you for sharing!

[@Sanko1960]

So amazing. Congratulations on a remarkable accomplishment! And thank you for this superb film documenting Karel's adventure. And huge congratulations to Joe, also. Great idea to include Joe and Karel's fascinating commentary throughout.

[@natewoodcock4248]

Haven’t watched yet and already love it

[@Demiduivenvoorden]

Absolutely incredible!!!!

[@jtcollins2112]

This is so inspiring. Love the journey and so much respect.

[@lilymoore3636]

Watching this before my first backyard ultra, such inspiration!!

[@rachidboukhlifa4054]

just arrived few minutes before the end, my children didn t want to sleep, huge souvenir, merci

[@jameschaves5723]

So incredibly inspiring. Thank you

[@makeshiftmiki]

I watched your documentary years ago and I’m so glad the algorithm showed me this video today!

[@niels-augustengelhartcorne6355]

Incredible, and nothing short of inspirational!

[@martinhartslief5092]

Brilliant - excellent story telling!! Congrats on the most incredible achievement

[@amarkisich]

I met him at an event in Park City Utah and he is such a great person! Great job on all your accomplishments

[@paulogryzek4740]

That was incredible! What a gritty performance and great team victory. It had to be one of the greatest endurance races of all time with three finishers, and a legendary one-man support crew effort. You guys had that dialed in. Every part of that was impressive and inspiring. Way to keep after it after all the letdowns and find a way to finish.

[@Ashlea.1]

Thank you for taking the time to create and share this video with us! Very inspiring!❤

[@Ancianto]

Congratulations! What an inspiration to the world of trail running, especially in Belgium.

[@dans1n]

Amazing effort and best Barkley documentary so far. Well done on both counts!

[@chadrivoli3732]

The crew man is the most important person in this race.

[@ak47rockin47]

Let’s go!!! Another Barkley marathon documentary!!!

[@monicakral6368]

I loved this! You are such an inspiration to me and you have an amazing crew. This gives me strength to be my very best at my own goals. Thank you.

[@AndrzejBrandt1]

loved it. man, what a great story, what a great adventure!

[@999shaznay]

Waited to watch this live on KZbin tonight - was not disappointed! Only wish it had been 3 hours long!!

[@cannuckchick7522]

Wow!!! Congratulations! Both on your race and on such a great film!!

[@101jtag]

These guys demonstrate the awesome capabilities of the human body... and my inability to even scratch its surface 😊 Amazing performance.

[@xagoos7583]

Magnifique film! T’es une légende Karel 🙌🏼💪🏼 Merci pour la vidéo 🇧🇪

[@TheToxicPixels]

Absolutely incredible!

[@willemvanriet7160]

Huge respect becoming a finisher! This is the pinnacle Nothing tougher

[@galeriestrasbourg2527]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing this incredible experience! Congratulations!

[@SkateboardRanch]

So motivating! Congratulations on that finish! Such an extraordinary achievement!

[@jayporter1045]

wow, great story. Congratulations Karel!

[@robmooremtb]

Legend. I was so nervous, and then so happy for you . Amazing Effort

[@1812Stevie]

Wonderful Doc. Inspirational!

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Great job Karel and Joe!

[@33roses]

You killed it! Major respect, Sir!!!

[@kolbeomahony6097]

Been waiting for this what an achievement

[@gaspard9000]

Congratulations man, I was checking the news, twitter etc when you were running it, and was hoping you to finish it. So cool.

[@sherrylynbranchaw5452]

Karel, you're amazing, and Joren's amazing, and it's all you guys' fault I'm doing hill reps. 😂 All your documentaries and interviews and posts are such a source of inspiration as well as practical advice. Thank you so much for all of them. I loved seeing all the footage in this one that wasn't included in the other 2023 Barkley documentary. I'm so happy you triumphed, keep up the fantastic work, and looking forward to New Zealand!

[@ultimatewarrior1612]

This is incredible. I can relate to the shouting to keep yourself awake and focused so much.. just not in the context of the Barkley course. Amazing effort Karel XXX

[@gibson5056]

Wow congrats on such an extraordinary accomplishment ! In to the next adventure !!

[@danmoody6756]

what an inspiration, amazing effort

[@slothmaster8444]

Congratulations for #17 finish Karel. I am doing my first 100k in 2 weeks time, your determination will be my inspiration. Thank you

[@mjscpr]

Incredible. Thanks!

[@mictaylor9531]

Fantastic on every level ❤

[@andreskcol]

What an amazing journey! What an amazing video! Ty for inspiring me, for real.

[@ElisaPerron]

Amazing athletes, great video !

[@newbarker523]

What an amazing achievement and film.

[@laurafasc6926]

Geeking out over this! So good