Crewing for my Dad at the Barkley Marathons 2023 | Billy Reed

Over the years Dad and I have had lots of adventures at ultra-running, trail running events and mountain rounds closer to home. In 2023, it all amounted to him asking me to come to Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee for his second attempt at the Barkley Marathons.
We had an incredible time meeting some of the world's best runners and spending time with fantastic runners and friends from UK/Ireland (Nicky Spinks, Eoin Keith, Tom Hollins, Damian Hall, Jasmine Paris, Emma Stuart).
Thank you to Laz and the whole team for continuing to bring the Barkley Marathons to everybody, and for letting Dad have another go!

[@R.J._Lewis]

Laz Lake is a really funny man. Perhaps my favorite part of the whole Barkley Marathon production is the bugler, who has always been, and steadfastly remains, a bit crap at playing the bugle.

[@jefo2405]

I think he has time enough to get some practice in, but I would not be surprised if it is on purpose that he doesn't and that it is fully okay to come out so bad most of the time. It's fully in the spirit of the race.

[@ReebTop]

@@jefo2405 It also has to be miserable trying to get a cold bugle to sound even remotely good. it's like a cold bagpipes, it'll just sound how it wants to sound.

[@Mark-lj1dj]

5:56 🙉😂

[@ThatRunnerAaron]

Absolutely love that they all commemorate the runners who are no longer with us - a touch of class

[@horseheadkid]

yes if i'm not mistaken none of the other docos i've seen showed that part. t was perfect.

[@_PatG_]

I’m not an emotional person, but I almost teared up as each of the 3 finishers touched the gate. Something about it.

[@alfrede.newman1838]

So many have reported on The Barkley but this video is amongst the best. Made me feel like I was there. Thank you

[@AndreiDamian]

What would the top 3 be? I was impressed by "Where dreams go to die", one of the first videos that I've seen about the Barkley Marathons.

[@phil6844]

I’m glad I saw this comment. After clicking the video I was thinking “do I wanna watch another Barkley marathon video?” But saw this comment and it made up my mind for me!

[@benihanaable]

So true 🥹😍!!! Thanks for this super personal story!

[@rikichef]

Just started binge watching all the Barkley videos I could find. Have always enjoyed adventure races and similar sports. Have loved the quirkiness and lore this event has. Thanks for sharing!

[@horseheadkid]

hearing laz say at the end "a picture of greatness" was just too perfect. beautiful.

[@colvinscorner]

Imagine being on loop 5. You hit your last book, and a day hiker took it and you cant find it...

[@tisi9756]

Can you imagine how hard that day hiker got yelled at?

[@milliebanks7209]

Joey: Never say imagine when it's a fact that it indeed happened! The runner was cool about the situation but I would have been jumping up and down as if I was on a pogo stick! That's why I don't run races!!

[@Jay369]

​@@milliebanks7209 That's why you don't run races? How common is this?

[@zap2747]

@@Jay369not at all lol

[@RahulSingh-od1sr]

Wow Karel finally got the win! Saw the video of his 2020 attempt and it is great to see his friend supporting him here as well

[@marlinweekley51]

Absolutely agree! Karel is awesome. But to be accurate he did not win. Sanchez did. All 3 got a complete 5 loop finish which is just amazing. Congrats to all 3 of finishers 😀🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[@johnghent5946]

Wow, having watched a lot of Barkley films and documentaries, this one has moved up into my top 3 of all time without a doubt! Really good to see Barkley from a different viewpoint with lots of different runners shown. Great work!

[@chloereedni]

This means a lot! It’s great to have a film of our experience to look back on each year and remember all the great memories. Thanks!

[@user-xm1od9nb1m]

Haha, this is the first time I’ve seen the pages 😭

[@alexisphilip]

Such a great documentary! I've been waiting for the 2023 Barkley movies to come out. Thank for you posting that video, and congrats to your dad and everyone else!

[@natethetoe386]

There really is something special about Barkley Marathons. I have watched everything I can find on this race, and every time the winner is told that they are the first one back, instead of a look of joy they have a look of concern.

[@TheEzacal]

You can be proud to have such a great daddy !

[@chloereedni]

I am very proud! He has done some incredible things. I’m lucky to have been there to see them 😊 Thank you

[@derfer007]

Even if he didn’t find finish, think of it as an honor to have been accepted into the race out of hundreds who applied. As a marathon runner, I admire Ulta runners for their determination & perseverance. To me, this is like the “Boston Marathon of Ultras”!Someday I will be as “crazy”. ❤

[@chloereedni]

I agree with you, it’s an incredible opportunity to be a part of the Barkley in any way 😊 thank you!

[@joshworthy9756]

Wonderfully documented and beautifully put together. Thank you for pulling back the curtain a bit by being in camp and capturing the key moments, while also preserving the mystery and legend of the race itself. Well done and thank you!

[@SebbyA98]

i find the Barkleys fascinating. so cool to see it from a different perspective. Well done to your Dad!

[@chloereedni]

It was an amazing experience being there as crew… Thank you so much!

[@LIamaLlama554]

Any idea of I might be able to volunteer as crew for someone? Is each runner allowed only one crew?

[@calvin_geo]

Love seeing more coverage of the Barkley Marathons, such a fascinating community and event!

[@rushodai929]

Great recap

[@Simco_]

So incredible seeing a UK hall of fame there all at once.

[@ironbullxtreme]

Felt like I was standing at the Yellow Gate again. Great job capturing the essence of the event.

[@katharineshields]

I’ve watched a lot of videos from Barkley and I always hope there will be one like this every year. Thank you!

[@ignaciogallo3]

Thanks for this amazing video! There was no media covering the 2-4 loops and no videos of the finishers anywhere!!

[@outdoormuse]

Great video, Chloe! I love anything related to the Barkley-- it just brings so much entertainment and inspiration, rain or shine, finish or dnf. There are always things to improve on and places to explore. I also love seeing the other side of it (a full crew experience). So much fun and it must have been unforgettable! :)

[@johnvanderhulst4778]

Thanks for this great docu.

[@chloereedni]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks.

[@FilosophicalPharmer]

THANK YOU for this EXCELLENT video. I’ve watched “The Barkley Marathon” documentary a few times and this feels like the sequel! ☺️👍🏼 Kudos! And on a personal note, I love that you all “brought the brogue back” to the Old Appalachias…

[@jt.8144]

Thank you for sharing :) It's good to see a 2023 footage of The Barkley Marathon.

[@THICCTHICCTHICC]

This video is awesome. One of the more personal accounts of Barkley that I've seen.

[@michaelshiels498]

Chloe that was fantastic thanks for sharing!! camp is such an amazing place and you'll have memories that will last a lifetime. well done Billy as well!

[@liamharkin5640]

Thanks for documenting Chloe!

[@chloereedni]

My pleasure!! What a great year to be there. Thanks for watching.

[@shalakabooyaka1480]

I love everything about this race.

[@chloereedni]

It’s pretty unique!

[@nicknack852]

Great film well captured and edited made me feel like i was there watching it

[@homonym7638]

14:25 That guy's laugh is absolutely slaying me

[@MiguelRivera-cs9tx]

Best Barkley Marathon video I have seen. Thanks for sharing

[@lizgreen2936]

That video was absolutely amazing thanks for sharing it!!...i love that race....so good to watch & Yr man LAZ is a character.... 😂x🇮🇪

[@trailtillyoudrop]

Great movie you made here! Does the event justice and shows a tip of the things we usually don't see.

[@chloereedni]

Thank you! It was really fun experiencing it all from the crew’s perspective. A great memory to have.

[@Semblances]

i would love to watch this every year at this quality of content, only 3 times as long

[@chloereedni]

Thank you so much! Hopefully there will be plenty of films from 2024 too, it has been an exciting one 😊

[@DanKeeley]

This year was truly a classic that will go down in the barkley legend

[@chloereedni]

It will be a hard one to beat!

[@scrappy1859]

Wow, really enjoyable video. Thanks 🙂

[@owenboyhan880]

Thanks Chloe, it was a great watch.

[@NihilimZA]

Thank you very much for this film.

[@EricGulliver]

Even finishing 1 loop is a tremendous accomplishment! Awesome job and awesome video!

[@chloereedni]

Absolutely, so much harder than it sounds… Thanks!

[@lafreeway]

I have watched a whole lotta Barkley videos and this is, by far, my favorite. Thank you for posting it!

[@starrpena763]

Love this video! You have a super cool dad and he has an amazing daughter. ❤

[@chloereedni]

Aww thank you so much, that’s very kind. 😊

[@merchymerchable]

I'm so glad youtube recommended this video to me - thank you for this amazing documentary!

[@mk_ultrarunner]

Really great job at capturing the experience even though your dad didn’t finish. Amazing job. I can’t imagine the level of stress and grit and determination it takes to even complete one of these loops.

[@karlyohe6379]

Thank you for the video. Human-created and carried-out ideas like the Barkley Marathon are what keeps me from despairing for our species.

[@itztocaclaire2752]

I keep waiting for your videos. I really love the landscape. It was amazing to see. I hope someday I can visit there or join your journey. Take care!

[@jacquelinewestbrook7658]

This is such an excellent video.

[@bev9708]

An "elusive" race... yes well that is certainly ONE word for it!!!😁😂😂 Such a great video, thanks so much for sharing with us!!!

[@ozavanti]

Brilliant video - thanks so much for sharing and my eyes might have leaked when he pushed the button saying it was easy.

[@stevenjanssens3711]

Great video. Captures the moments so well. Great to meet you and your dad at Camp ground. What a blast it was. The neighbour Steven - crew Thomas Van Woensel :D

[@sandstromj]

This was a epic video of the Barkleys. Thank you for sharing and caring for your dad.

[@chloereedni]

Thank you so much, it was a special memory with him. 😊

[@LibanganTV_24]

Congratulations, I’ve watched some of the runners in this event , you all deserve to be honored as Barkleyers 🎉🎉🎉

[@chloereedni]

Thank you for watching!

[@danchanner]

Wonderful film thank you 👊👊👊

[@djclass005]

Great video! Loved both parts! Every runner there is amazing! Loved seeing the finishers, all three together, a picture of greatness indeed! Aurelien was still so fresh at the end, crazy!

[@Vince_4044]

Great documentary! Thank you for doing this! Hope you continue to do more of them. Thank you!

[@chloereedni]

Aww thank you so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hopefully more to come!

[@matthewrendell1713]

Great video and the best insight in this years Barkley I've seen! Thank you.

[@erichaskell]

Quite amazing to have three finishers.

[@jamesprecious1035]

Nice capture Chloe. This is one of the greatest athletic events on the globe. So nice that you could share the experience with your Father.

[@chloereedni]

A very special memory for sure! Thanks!

[@aquicktake]

Very insightful and great look at the Barkley Marathon. Thanks for the upload.

[@chloereedni]

It was an amazing experience seeing it all! Thanks so much.

[@baldophil1386]

Bravo à tous ....Aurélien......

[@mayatodd8342]

Thank you for sharing this footage of the 2023 Barkley Marathons! I’ve been to the Park and have followed the event for several years. Your dad is awesome.

[@An45789]

Thank you! I missed the start this year and I was so sad,bud now it was like I still could enjoy it because of you,thanks!!! 🎉

[@chloereedni]

Aw glad you are able to see it now- thanks for watching!

[@matthaeus_jacomus]

Great video Chloe, and well done Billy.

[@colehetzel3093]

Wonderful video, really made us all feel as though we were right there in camp and a part of the action. Congrats to your Dad on the run!

[@garyd2448]

Fantastic video, well done Billy, another great adventure that was so well documented by Chloe. What a wonderful record of your achievement.

[@kenyanexpat]

Thank you for sharing your experience with us!!

[@lillstrom]

thank you so much for this vid! so great to see some more behind the scenes and also to see a bit more of Karel's awesome finish. "I'm sorry for the drama" hahahahha

[@torleifur]

What a great movie. Thanks

[@chloereedni]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@andrewmcmullan4739]

Great video Chloe. Good to see the race and your Dad out there doing his thing.

[@UltraAdventures]

Outstanding video, beautifully done. Thank you for this.

[@dinkthinks3958]

OUTSTANDING JOB ON THIS VIDEO!! I’ve been needing a new Barkley video in my life! Thank you for sharing. Congrats to Billy and to all of the fun runners and finishers! Banner year!🎉

[@Joeely618]

Terrific view of the Barkley!! Very well done...impressed how you hung around for so many hours to see the finishers come in...an awesome view of the iconic race. Mega-congrats to Billy...terrific video, Chloe!!

[@rinrat6754]

This is one of the best event videos I have seen. Really brought this fascinating event to life, and made it look painfully appealing.

[@chloereedni]

Thank you, I appreciate that a lot! I laughed at your comment of “painfully appealing”… so true 😂

[@jaythorpe2536]

Amazing video and editing. Captures the Barkley perfectly, thanks for sharing

[@Khumist62]

Great video! Congratulations to you Dad! Amazing. 😊👣

[@martinwerlen]

Thank you for the video. Just incredible

[@kellydawson4965]

Great crew support.

[@chloereedni]

Thank you so much. It was very special being able to support Dad

[@vickisimpson9871]

You captured the race perfectly. I stopped by for a bit to watch one day. It’s inspiring to see the participants come through either on time or tapping out. Cheers to your dad for participating.

[@BenHack]

Great video, what an amazing experience.

[@chloereedni]

It really was. Thank you!

[@rawbanana729]

Amazing video, thank you for sharing

[@afuntanilla]

loved watching this! thanks so much for creating and sharing

[@dougcutchins]

Absolutely spectacular video. Thank you so much for making this.

[@puravida05tica]

I love the titles of the books 😂

[@chloereedni]

They’re brilliant aren’t they. An interesting mix of funny & very ominous!

[@carlruns]

Truly fantastic film

[@irunovermountains]

Great video Chloe. Awesome seeing Billy give it another go too.

[@chloereedni]

Thanks Aaron! It needed another attempt!

[@BozalliCopter]

Thank you very much for bringing us the 2023 race. And well done to your Dad, and all the runners. Fantastic stuff. What a beautiful event, and to me it really highlights the value of eccentricity and teamwork.

[@chloereedni]

Thank you so much. It’s a special memory to look back on every year. Every year seems to get even more exciting.

[@jessearodriguez]

John Kelly. What a legend.

[@chloereedni]

He doesn’t disappoint!

[@Golfgtiguy]

Well done all .

[@Peter-ri9ie]

A beautiful video! A lot of feeling and a really good inspiration. Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏻

[@chloereedni]

Thank you so much. It was very special being there with Dad!

[@fredhamond5827]

Excellent. Looking forward to the next episode!

[@jhscott09]

Great video Chloe! Your dad is a hero!

[@chloereedni]

Thank you! I think so too!

[@jordand.7798]

Truely incredible, all around. I appreciate being able to see the perspective you brought with this video.

[@ZeRo-22-]

Such a great video. Thank you for sharing!

[@piousheart]

Cool to look back on what Jasmin said at the finish last year

[@chloereedni]

Yes very special! I can only imagine what the anticipation in camp was like this year waiting for her to come in.

[@sundale31]

Great vid Chloe - really enjoyed that - great insight. Hard luck Billy - can't begin to imagine how tough that is.

[@chloereedni]

Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it! They endured a lot in those 24+ hours…

[@clairel3730]

Brilliant video - amazing achievements all round.

[@ajmasters6546]

It’s crazy how much the runners gear and outfits have changed over the years at this race

[@horseheadkid]

gracious yes! i was thinking that myself. it's all leggings now.

[@Fabio-Correr-eh-Viver]

Awesome video! Congratulations for the race and the register. Kudos from Brazil.

[@paulhoulden]

That was class, well done!