The Barkley Marathons : 10 Years Later

[@Diego-oj5cy]

Hi John! I'm here to make you feel even more weird! 👋🏽 I watched both documentaries maybe 5 times. I read the book in French as soon as it came out. I also read your race reports from the Barkley and from other races. I just wanted to thank you, I started exercising 4 years ago and now I run marathons and do ironman triathlons, and you've been a huge inspiration to me on so many occasions. What you said in this video about exploring and doing things really hit home, I've also been spending much more time in nature and doing crazy things lately thanks to people like you. I guess what they say is true: you never now who you are inspiring! Thank you for inspiring me, and for inspiring countless others! What you did at the Barkley that year is forever ingrained in the history of ultrarunning.

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much Diego...it really does mean so much to me. Congrats on the Marathons and Ironmans! I've never been all that good at swimming, so have stayed away from attemping triathlons. Perhaps I need to take the plunge (pun intended).

[@SethJamesDeMoor]

This may be even better than the documentary, we appreciate those words you just shared, I’d love to learn more about the Barkley Marathons 👋🏼 cheers John and keep doing you, see you on the trails

[@piyushpatelsrm]

Out of all the Runners and finishers, I sort of resonated with your story the most. I never really pegged you for a finisher at all and pegged you as someone who is probably just gonna do the fun run. Then when you spoke about your story and you ultimately completed the marathon, I was stunned, to say the least. Your story has been in my mind for a long time now and could never really contemplate what events could possibly have made this man - who is not an ultrarunner (in his own words) complete THE most difficult competition in the world. I like to keep going back to your video once in a while just to admire the mysterious power we have within all of us. I just bought the book 'The Finishers The Barkley Marathons'.

[@philliplind360]

Hello John I wanted to comment here because my Dad showed me the documentary last night, and the whole thing and especially your part at the end was so uplifting for me. Your finish made my heart swell up and brought a tear to my eye, really. I'm a young guy and I must confess that I often fall into periods of depression because of the way that the world works, everything being mediated by social media and whatnot. Just feels like the soul is being vacuumed out of the world. Seeing the movie made me feel really connected to you guys, even though I haven't met you. So happy to see people doing such awesome things not for internet fame or whatever. The beautiful world is still alive, and I am quietly happy in it. Thank you

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much for the kind words Phillip.

[@shinyandnotpanicking]

The documentary is actually free on youtube at the moment! Congrats on the 10 year anniversary and thank you for sharing such insightful personal thoughts.

[@On2Feet]

I had no idea it was on KZbin for free now. Nice!

[@natewoodcock4248]

Awesome video man. I appreciate you sharing all this.

[@Fireinthestubble]

You were the most inspirational person on that documentary. You have had an impact you will never know. Thank you 🙏

[@roberte7606]

I was watching the Barkley documentary a few weeks ago. Saw you but I couldn’t figure out where I recognized you from. Eventually it dawned on me that I’ve watched your videos because I too ride a Himalayan. Very impressive, man. That race is no joke! Cheers

[@andrewmshuff]

John I appreciate you and the others who attempt and/or finish the Barkley. A theme amongst you all appears to be people with a great sense of adventure, drive to be your best self, and a humble spirit. I take alot from you and the others who take on these sorts of journeys. Although perhaps on a much smaller scale. Marathon along the fence line in my backyard, 30 mile bike ride around my cul-de-sac, etc. Thanks for the inspiration. I followed the race prior to the documentary having been born and raised in the Nashville area and will continue to follow each year for the inspiration it inspires me in many areas of my life! Good luck in your future endeavors.

[@brendonn373]

John, Thanks for creating and sharing this video. Being from Pennsylvania and getting into ultra running I had the chance to run alongside you before and after knowing “who you were.” Since that time I have followed your blog and continually been inspired by you for a decade +. Please - Continue to share your journey, it impacts people in ways you likely don’t imagine In my continual quest to find “adventure” and “escape” as get older, I look to you for inspiration to get outside and appreciate nature and it’s oddities. As for the expectation of who can finish Barkley… It’s exactly someone like you. Thanks for being unapologetically you.

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much for the kind words Brennan and I love hearing stories like this. Not sure which races we ran together, but I'm guessing oil creek, hyner, or maybe rothrock. I do miss the East Coast trails.

[@ultimatewarrior1612]

John you are the best dude "Life is for living". This summer I'm running coast to coast in England. I'll keep you and your effort in my thoughts. God bless

[@griddler9174]

Well done, John. I especially loved the part about how much you trained and commitment once you were in.

[@runtondog]

Thank you for sharing with us

[@gabesmith9171]

This was very touching- God bless you John!

[@tommamarcincuk4598]

I literally watch the Barkley documentary everyday. Thanks so much for your dedication!

[@smkymike569]

Very inspiring video, just like you were in the documentary! Loved how you described your training more in this video. Especially since I find it surprising how many people who are lucky enough to get in the Barkley don’t take it as serious as I expect they would - training, doing their homework, reading the race reports, studying maps of FHSP, bringing the right gear, etc.

[@2312dean]

Hi John. You and that documentary inspired me to return to distance running after leaving it for so many years. I cant even count the amount of times I have watched it (or played it for friends to watch haha) You sir are a legend - and thanks so much for your efforts that have obviously inspired so many others.

[@On2Feet]

Thank you so much for the kind words Dean and I'm genuinely happy to hear you've enjoyed the documentary. The producers really did a wonderful job with it. I still can't believe it's been over 10 years now since it all transpired.

[@1Carjunkie]

I watched the documentary a couple years ago and found it fascinating. Stuff like that I will watch again and again. I just happened across your channel today. I'll be checking out your episodes and particularly the motorcycle content. During the movie I was really pulling for you to finish. The condition of your feet and the physical exhaustion resonated with me. I have bad knees, asthma and a heart issue but I had always wanted to run a marathon. I lost weight and began running, doing Spartan and Tough Mudders. A friend asked me to fill in for her husband on a 1/2. I had done a 10k so I figured I could go the extra to do the half and I made it with no problem. She then challenged me to do the Marine Corps Marathon so I felt here is my chance. Life got in the way but I wanted to get this done so badly and figured I may never have the chance again. An avid runner I worked with helped me squeeze a year of training into a few months. I ended up running three times a week. Every Saturday I would add a few miles to my distance. Two weeks before the marathon I ran 20 miles on a walking trail. I had set up my whole goal to cross the point in the marathon where I could finish the race and not be picked up by the bus. I started out a little bit fast and then settled in. A little less than halfway though I was struggling. I asked a couple of ladies if I could run with them and they said sure. This helped me get through about another 4 miles. I hit another wall and slowed down so I could take in some calories as I hadn't been taking in enough. I got past the cutoff point and began mixing up walking and running. With about 3 mi to go I couldn't run anymore and my feet were killing me though they didn't look like yours for sure. As I walked across the finish line the amount of emotions that poured out were incredible. To see people like you finish races like the Barkley is awe inspiring. Truly incredible feats of human accomplishment.

[@jlore6344]

Just happened across this vid, sorry to be late. I have seen the movie with your awesome finish in it many times and you truly inspire me. I do longer and more challenging trail runs today because of what you showed us is possible back then.

[@britann0]

I’ve watched the Barkley Marathon several times over the years. I find it so inspiring! It popped in my mind today, I’m so glad to see you posted something like this.

[@dalekeener]

Just found your channel. I have watched the documentarty times and you are an inspiration to so many runners.

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much for the kind words man.

[@lukegraham5105]

John you are a true savage! Your 2012 first time attempt/finish is something that still BLOWS my mind to this day! BEAST!!! 👊👊👊

[@michaelshiels498]

john - thanks for sharing - you really made the documentary touch the everyday runner - in 2017 i watched the documentary and this year i had the honour of crewing at The Barkley , i have been fortunate enough to bump into you at the 2019 BFC and you were really welcoming . thank you sir and keep er lit!!

[@On2Feet]

Thanks for kind words Michael and I'm glad we had a chance to chat briefly at the BFC. I need to get back to that event one of these days...

[@adamhodgins5373]

Hey John, my wife and I just watched the Barkley Marathons together and your effort was incredibly inspiring. It's a big reason why i'm waking up at 5 am to run tomorrow morning. Cheers

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much for the kind words Adam. Watching it now is truly a bit strange as it's been long enough where it almost feels like I'm watching a doc about someone else...

[@thezacpariah]

Really really cool to see a follow up. I've watched The Race That Eats It's young 4 times now, fantastic. Also, good luck on becoming an astronaut. Keep going!

[@laurafasc6926]

John! I feel like I know you, i have watched the documentary over 30 times, it’s something I always put on for laughs and inspiration since I first watched in 2016. Thank you, for sharing this ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ve always wanted to know how you trained

[@l.p.5407]

Hi John, thank you for sharing all of this with us! I'm quite new to running, but I've become completely obsessed with ultras. I can't wait to run one and experience the adventure. However, I wanted to ask you how you managed your Barkley's training without getting injured, sick, or feeling depressed. I'm very motivated, but I tend to overtrain easily. Thanks again for the inspiration! :)

[@jerryhall7827]

I watched the documentary a few times before starting my Journey, You inspired me John,( I will always pull for the underdog in life) you made the documentary spiritual. Thank you.

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much much for the kind words Jerry.

[@ThePentUpAngler]

Thanks for a great video. Very inspiring and your message at the end can do us all some good! Congrats on the incredible accomplishment of finishing the Barkley Marathons … and the humility you posses in describing it. Truly incredible. Thanks again for the video.

[@hannaharchbold]

Really great video and very poignant, never lose your sense of adventure ! Thank you for your inspiration

[@pietercecat]

Dear John, I somewhere sometime read that in ultra running, as soon as the mind gives up, so does the body. Since reading that quote, it always stuck with me how strong one must be for taking on (let alone overcoming) challenges that are perceived by many as being impossible. It was the great Nelson Mandela who said 'it always seems impossible, until it's done'. Well that's a philosophy I try to live by day after day. I have always been a strong believer of self empowerment and the way it can improve the quality of your life. After all, we have to be a little crazy to make our lives worthwhile. Anyways, big congrats on your BM finish and greetings from Belgium. PS: I have ordered the book and can't wait to start reading.

[@On2Feet]

Thanks so much for the comment and kind words Pieter

[@uriflash]

Hey John, I’ve fallen asleep watching the Barkley Marathons for a month now. Your story is amazing. I like to fast forward to your part. It’s incredible watching you carry logs in the beginning then a few days later finishing while jogging in a zig zag. Didn’t really get help until that last lap. People you ran with falling out. You talking about your Dad and enjoying the moment was beautiful. There is something really different about your feat that I can’t explain to you. I think you had it way harder than anyone but you kept going. I don’t know if you reminded me of the American Dream we all have or it’s something else. You are different. I hope space exploration comes your way. There is a leadership quality of if I can do it then you can do it. It’s tough to explain what I think you represent. It’s everything good in a person that I would want in myself. That’s the best way I can explain it. You are a very humble guy. Don’t get me wrong I like that quality but I think you can do more. You have the potential to inspire not only the people watching but so many more who don’t know your story. Please take people with you on your journey. People need to experience what you have to offer.

[@iangore321]

Hi John, The Barkley documentary is a favourite that I've seen a few times, your effort inspired me in England to do the Lakeland 50 trail run and I hope to return to do the 100, like you said you gotta live your life ... All the best, Ian

[@Liface]

Anyone who has ever been obsessed with getting better at something can relate to this journey!

[@abdielflores4147]

Hey John, thanks so much for this insight. The obsessive mindset when it comes to goals like this is something that resonates with me. One question I have is, how did you avoid injury when ramping up your efforts between Antartica and the Barkley?

[@On2Feet]

Not entirely sure...I think I partially was just lucky. I did make sure to ramp up my training gradually though....so I imagine that helped some.

[@olivierzozo]

Hi, did you actually finished the five loops of barkley’s ten years ago ?

[@On2Feet]

I did! This was back during the 2012 event. I was the third finisher that year in 59 hours 41 minutes.

[@olivierzozo]

Waooo what a nice job done, but you trained hard so well deserved 👍

[@pierroulechou]

while i run 10km few times and get injury :D you monster, Congratz!

[@robertclarkson6064]

Stay strong 💪💪💪

[@treeminer1]

Hi John, my friend just ran the Cape Wrath ultra. They started with 300 and only about 109 finished. He was the only American out of 30 that finished competitively. It has been a dream of his to run the Barkley. Any suggestions about how to help him get registered? Thanks

[@atalantarunning6205]

Great Video, The Barkley is the one. You like John Kelly inspired me to to do something big and get back running after being out with injury for 8 years . Self discovery is a must and thank you for being you. Throughout my life, running has been my escape! My obsessive focus and attention to detail have helped me to be the successful runner I am today. I have never really understood what gave me this drive as it came so naturally to me, but when I started to research autism, following my son's diagnosis in 2020, it all made sense. I am successful because I am autistic! The challenge was; Starting at Port Patrick on the 6th April 2022. The Southern Upland Way is a 344-kilometre (214 mi) coast-to-coast waymarked path in southern Scotland over varied terrain from tarmac, gravel, grass and muddy paths to marsh lands and Scottish bog! I ran this from West to East and back totalling 441 miles with over 160 summits in excess of 2,000 feet (610 m). I ran the equivalent of Mount Everest almost twice in less than a week. I began running aged six and competed in school, local, regional and national competition achieving at the highest levels. On leaving school I joined the Army where I continued to compete on a worldwide circuit. I enjoyed a successful career as a Para and a Commando, travelling the world and serving with some true heroes. I've always found social situations difficult, but running in clubs and serving in the army gave me a focus and the confidence to make life-long friends who I value more than they will know. After leaving the army, I continued running until an accident during a Lands End to John O-Groats World Record attempt in 2013 left me with severe leg injuries. I was told I wouldn't run again and the next nine years were undoubtedly the darkest years of my life. I lost my confidence, my focus and my escape. In 2020, during lockdown, my very good friend and running partner convinced me to join him for a run. I couldn't manage 3 miles and had to walk. Overweight and unfit, I knew I had to do something. Very few people know the physical and mental pain I endured to get my life back on track. I trained with focus and determination every day, running at 4am before work and most evenings too. After nine months of training I entered my first race, The Grim Up North Wuthering Heights 50km race which I won, setting a new a course record. Throughout the season I also won the GB Ultra Chester 100 mile race and The White Rose Ultra 60 mile race and completed the GB Ultra Glasgow to Edinburgh (58 miles); Out-fit Sea to Summit (34 miles ) and Nav 4 Tour De Helvellyn (38 miles).

[@lukegraham5105]

John you are a true savage! Your 2012 first time attempt/finish is something that still BLOWS my mind to this day! BEAST!!! 👊👊👊