#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.

[@GTE_Channel]

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

[@GTE_Channel]

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

[@GTE_Channel]

@@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!

[@MrBaguety]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@Overtheseathroughthehill]

Well said!

[@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.

[@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!

[@pauldunkley760]

That was really special.

[@scottshepherd2238]

on strapping his compass to his arm: "last year i had to take it out 100 times... thats 100 seconds, it can make a difference". Cue Jasmin Paris finishing with 99 seconds to spare

[@strider5474]

Dayum. Marginal gains

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@bambaklats2891]

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

[@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..

[@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!

[@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!

[@sba8710]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@KetieSaner]

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

[@biswajitduttabaruah501]

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

[@nosirrahm]

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

[@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! 👍👍👍

[@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!

[@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

[@therondc]

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

[@lizl1855]

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

[@indialeenaerts4037]

Speechless! You're an absolute legend, Karel 🫡

[@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.

[@lilymoore3636]

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

[@mikegallagher2732]

I COULD NOT click on this Fast Enough !!!!! THIS is AWESOME... YOU Are AWESOME Sir !!!!!

[@couscousineau9162]

Wow... whenever I need a shot of motivation or fire? Replay. Unbelievable effort. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@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

[@beeclimbing9954]

Congratulations @Karel Sabbe for accomplishing The Barkley Marathons!!! I think you surmounted extra challenges with the long haul flight and especially coming from an low-land country! But then you have accomplished so many incredible trail running feats that to those of us watching, there is almost a certainty that whatever you set out to do, you will do it. Also, thank you to Karel's sponsors for the production of this film; it was brilliant!

[@ArohaKiwi]

A legend. Looking forward to this story Karel

[@GabrielFrois.]

Loved the part when you asked for Laz permission to shout for Jared and Joe. Really respectful of you! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Amazing video! Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@slothmaster8444]

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

[@osmoduh]

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

[@PleunVanaudenaerde]

Wat een epische prestatie, voor mij voor altijd sportman van het jaar 2023!

[@jennifersullivan2718]

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

[@treyonly]

So Awesome! Much Respect Karel!!!

[@101jtag]

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

[@bryanmcdermott4204]

Great job Karel and Joe!

[@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 🖤

[@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.

[@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.

[@jtcollins2112]

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

[@martinhartslief5092]

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

[@finding_health]

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

[@makeshiftmiki]

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

[@MultiGuvnor]

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

[@millenniumstarfury2482]

My son's name is Jack too!! Lets go great job man on finishing!!!

[@azcardguy7825]

I love this time of year. I know I’ll get at least one good Barkley documentary

[@MrJannesV]

Karel Sabbe is my new spirit animal

[@xagoos7583]

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

[@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!

[@marceldewit6214]

Geweldig Karel! Tranen in mijn ogen door jouw ongelooflijke prestatie! Zoveel bewondering.

[@tjflash60]

Thanks for the video. I really enjoyed watching the teamwork. I love running and have enjoyed the 50k experience but I really would like to do support for a longer event and I enjoyed watching the work in camp with the crew work.

[@Ashlea.1]

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

[@pascalducray703]

Wow!!! You are an amazing athlete and human. Your friend is one that everyone one on Earth would love to have. I am a 4 times Ironman finisher but this is so so so much harder and inspirational. Can't just imagine how hard you have worked and how deep you had to dig. Hats off hats off hats off Pascal from Mauritius

[@gibson5056]

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

[@andreskcol]

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

[@RyanHoodGains]

Incredible accomplishment Karel! You never gave up. Even after the prior years accident. Inspiring!

[@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.

[@newbarker523]

What an amazing achievement and film.

[@rogercarbonell3696]

I am doing the ice queen in south africa this year. I am keen and also a little bit afraid. Documentaries like this keep me motivated.

[@galeriestrasbourg2527]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing this incredible experience! Congratulations!

[@willemvanriet7160]

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

[@kaffeeammorgen6548]

Congratulation, strong man! Incredible job! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼😊💪🏼

[@jayporter1045]

wow, great story. Congratulations Karel!

[@vanessawillson713]

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

[@cannuckchick7522]

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

[@nowrockyourheartout]

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

[@coffeemusings]

You are truly an inspiration Doc Karel!

[@ak47rockin47]

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

[@keithkool]

Hats off sir. What an achievement. Unbelievable.

[@karelsabbe8852]

Thanks Keith!

[@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.

[@rachidboukhlifa4054]

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

[@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

[@SkateboardRanch]

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

[@globeheating1684]

What a doc what an achievement

[@mictaylor9531]

Fantastic on every level ❤

[@trevstow]

A fantastic insight into the event. Congratulations 👏🏻

[@JeroenW76]

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

[@GrizzzyK]

inspirational. Proud to be on the same planet as the participants of the Barkely Marathons, gives me hope for humanity.

[@tonynav9489]

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

[@speranza3441]

Onze Karel Sabbe uit het kleine België! Held!

[@999shaznay]

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

[@amarkisich]

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

[@jameschaves5723]

So incredibly inspiring. Thank you

[@jmac1064]

Wow! I’m so bummed I didn’t see you! That was my Transit with the two bikes on the tool box RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! Dude, love your videos. Thanks for what you do and I’ll try to find you at Kowtown.

[@33roses]

You killed it! Major respect, Sir!!!

[@heighRick]

Congratulations Karel and team, what an amazing accomplishment! Thanks, helps a lot!

[@nicoduvivier1561]

Awesome performance, you’re my favourite Ronsenier all times 👊🏻👍🏻