Last Women Standing: The Barkley Marathons 2019

#NickySpinks #BarkleyMarathons #LastWomenStanding
In 2019, inov-8 ambassador and breast cancer survivor Nicky Spinks attempted to become the first-ever woman to complete The Barkley Marathons - the world's toughest ultra-running race. This film tells the story of Nicky, and her fellow female runners, as they battle treacherous terrain, wild weather and the twisted mind of Barkley Marathons organiser, Lazarus Lake.
See the kit Nicky used during The Barkley Marathons here: www.inov-8.com/last-women-sta...
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[@z400jt]

I would never consider doing the Barkley Marathons but I will consume every bit of media about them. These people are incredible and incredibly nuts.

[@wqmf9356]

agreed, so fun to watch

[@BertLagaisse]

We have a Dutch saying that translates to “Being nuts doesn’t hurt”. It clearly doesn’t apply to ultra runners ;-) Yet ,I have the greatest respect to those who attempt this, and succeed in it.

[@ola_bandola]

Same here :)

[@KaeRoque]

Sammeeeeee

[@ricodelavega4511]

i got the impression at the end with that fat bas&&&& Laz is blowing that horn that it was that other lady who was more physically devasted, and that nicky couldve made two full laps.

[@stub011]

2024 and Jasmin Paris from UK just became the 1st woman to complete it. Amazing effort👍👍

[@MrSteooo]

Garry Robbins video Were Dreams Go To Die is a great watch too

[@georgestobbart4894]

Bitcoin is a good buy now also

[@tommillia7816]

Just from watching n that's what's brought me here.. Very inspiring stuff

[@INDIA400M]

the six seconds

[@starmartin6096]

True. I Watched It

[@benwatts6361]

Here after Jasmines win. A woman did it!!

[@YersiniaPestisNPO]

Such an inspiration for women runners. That is one badass chick

[@wes4192]

Be nice to see a poor black woman though.

[@freddietick7816]

Das Krapital Let’s see a poor black woman apply and run faster then, Not saying they cannot, though.

[@wideawake914]

@The Fuhrer and have only one leg.

[@meridethroseman3186]

All I could think while watching this is "These people are crazy and now I want to do it too"

[@ericaweissholman8342]

Me, too!!! My friends and I talk about this!

[@progbass56]

I Know, Right?

[@AmamiHarukaX3]

Not people. Mr. Organiser is crazy

[@chadgregory9037]

I grew up in a place that looks very much like this, in west virginia, not that far away. I almost feel like for 2 reasons, 1 you cant kill me, 2 im from the sticks, these other people arent.... put me in enough of the "ill suffer anything" mindset in order to do this shit

[@sarab9186]

Me too!!!

[@pshearduk]

I’m from Yorkshire and have watched quite a few documentaries on this crazy marathon. So proud to see a Yorkshire lass out there! Fair play Nicky, you may not have completed the 5 loops, but you certainly made me proud to be a Yorkshireman watching you representing Yorkshire, and more importantly trying to get a woman to finally finish the 5 loops. Hope to see that happen in the coming years. Well done Nicky 💪🏽🤗

[@isabellind1292]

Paul Sheard - I'm surprised they don't have a similar marathon in Yorkshire. Isn't it mountainous and very challenging terrain? I can imagine the countryside must be breathtaking! Yes, Nicky was great and so was her husband and they have beautiful dogs.😊🐕❤

[@jennyreid722]

Hear hear! She's incredible. What a woman.

[@EpiDot52]

She seems like a very structured and prepared runner. Quite inspiring to see the different ways people adapt to ultra running.

[@Aleera616]

I don't know exactly why but I've been watching every Barkley marathons video I could find the past days. I even dreamed of participating last night. I am not a runner, I'm not even fit anymore. I used to run some years ago but now I have a chronical illness but even worse: severe ptsd which doesn't let me leave the house alone. This made my physical fitness go downhill the last three years. I also have a minor heart condition that could get worse real quick. Of course I'm not thinking "I could do the Barkley marathons!" (Lol never). But going through mud and pain and sleep deprivation sounds... good to me. I've been through a lot, my body has been through a lot. I developed a stubborn sense of survival, I know that I am capable of enduring a lot and I want to "get my body back" if that makes sense. In my city there is a marathon that is universes away from the Barkley but it's still a huge challenge for me and I decided to train for it so I can participate in 2021 or 2022. I have such a big longing for going out there again, feeling my body again and being myself again. Seeing these videos gives me the last kick in the butt I needed to start my journey again and to stop hiding

[@inov8__]

Thanks a lot for watching and good luck with the training for next year's marathon!

[@Cgh432]

What I love about ultra racing is the respect you get from all the runners no matter how old you are !

[@justelynnnjoelle]

This lady is tough and Inov8 did a great job of conveying her determination! The GingerRunner has a documentary as well of the Barkley Marathons from the perspective of Gary Robbins' attempts in 2016 and 2017.

[@Sanko1960]

Well-edited, well-put-together, well-scripted, well-filmed, and most of all, Nicky's preparation and execution, demeanor and way of speaking are all very inspiring. Thank you!

[@inov8__]

Thank you very much - from Nicky & inov-8

[@trailrunner919]

Love the confirmation letter, that's hysterical LOL!!!

[@andrearatkovic4048]

Nicky NEEDS to come back, and Courtney Dauwalter needs to DO this!

[@colleenposadas8415]

@Grendel _ why not? Put her picture up!!

[@DorHBoomer]

I'm over 60 and heck I might put her picture up on my vision board!

[@JK-rt1gy]

Yes!! If anyone can do it, Courtney can

[@jamesgem1809]

The elite runners don't typically do this run!

[@benji104]

@@jamesgem1809 maybe because they are not approved

[@BeeGeeHikes]

I really hope she goes back, now she knows what she needs to do to get prepared, specially bringing the right gear for the weather. The Barkleys is a beast of a race.

[@dezeman8062]

I've seen this edition from like 4 perspectives and it's still an amazing watch

[@zimmejoc]

I grew up in Oak Ridge, which is about 40 miles away from Frozenhead and I have hiked and trail ran extensively in the park. March is about the worst month for an event like this. Not only is it the wettest month of the year but 40 and 50 degree temp swings like this are common. That makes completing one lap an even bigger accomplishment. I’d hike in perfect weather and perfect temps and those mountains would humble me. You’re either climbing or descending and everything is steep. Level ground? Ha! Gentle slopes? Double ha!

[@isabellind1292]

Maybe that was the month JE Ray was on the lam! 🏃‍♂️ Funny, their acceptance letter is a letter of condolence and the race starts w/the lighting of a cigarette, lol!😊 It sure is beautiful to drive through the Blue Ridge Mtns/Smoky Mtns region.🗻🚓🗻I bet there's wild boars! 🐗😊🌎

[@brentfarvors192]

Yup! Visitors have absolutely NO CLUE how volatile southern USA weather can be! Worst part is your body can't adjust to the extreme changes in temperature...

[@astreet339]

I’m from Cookeville, which you know it’s about 45 min from frozen head, And one of my dad’s friends has property up around that area that we do some dirt biking out and it is a blast

[@zimmejoc]

@@astreet339 I lived in Cookevegas for many years after leaving OR. I’ve been gone for so many years now, that it doesn’t seem like cookeville anymore when I go back.

[@astreet339]

@@zimmejoc lol you are from Cookvegas! Lol Yeah I moved away in the mid-2000s and when I came back it’s changed tremendously. It’s growing so much around here it’s insane. If you’re ever back this way look me up and we’ll get a coffee or something

[@kellymahoney7363]

The sub 2 hour marathon woke up the running world. Imagine the reaction when a woman finishes the Barkley, literally ground breaking.

[@equinoxproject2284]

The creator of this event says that a woman will never finish this race, to hard he says.

[@SammyJoeLouis]

@C II lol who cares

[@Sean-st5ud]

never gonna happen

[@Sean-st5ud]

@@equinoxproject2284 and he is correct

[@LessThanThree76]

Since the race gets harder for each man who completes it, that will sadly never happen.

[@elenaoutdoors]

Thank you for putting this film together! Really enjoyed a little window in to the incredible achievements of Nicky and those who take on the Barkley Marathons.

[@lydiaenglish]

This is amazing to watch. Seeing the whole thing gives you a much better insight as to how tough this race is!

[@TamasLorincz]

Can't wait to see this. So exciting. One of the most inspiring runners taking on the most daunting challenge.

[@DS.StillMoving]

Thanks for such an honest insight through Nicky's eyes of this unique game! What a crazy race!

[@hollydolly3495]

Great video! Nicky, you are an inspiration to all women! I admire your strength and perseverance. Looking forward to seeing a woman at the finish line! Wooooooooo!!!!

[@inov8__]

Thanks a lot Holly, Nicky is a true legend! Really glad you enjoyed the film.

[@yenegh]

Really appreciate this video. Thank you for sharing 🙂

[@Questorps7]

Great documentary! I hope Nicky gets another chance to try again - she has the cred to crack this!

[@neilsyard]

Great effort. Amazing woman. All very inspiring. Thanks for the film.

[@michaelhanson3150]

Really great interesting insight into what it takes to do this race. Well done Nicky, Yorkshire grit!

[@jeanbrossard2658]

Amazingly filmed, the editing is superb and the music choice compliments this short film ranking it as one of the best I've ever seen. Bravo! They say Inspiration comes from within, but to be able to visualize it through great work like this is as much of a triumph as running the Barkley in its own way.

[@melwynpinto1824]

Amazing thank you for sharing your experience

[@keithhigginson554]

Nicky you are an absolutely amazing human being ! What an honour it must be for anyone to know you

[@yadda1972]

Loved watching this... Nicky Spinks is just incredible.

[@kathleen4376]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@user-xn2hf9re8r]

I love Nicky she represents all that is noble about fellrunning in the UK.

[@kibblesnbits9146]

Well Done Nicky! Man, what an event!

[@GokuRunner]

Excellent film! Really enjoyed it! Nicky is gonna get it one day I feel it!

[@jagbass1965]

Fantastic and hard experience, thanks for share!

[@simonhodgson4941]

Wow, what a brilliant film and Nicky was Amazing! ❤

[@stopsign38]

Fantastic recap, thanks for sharing.

[@sophierstenton3567]

So happy it’s finally here

[@runningwithmarc]

Really great to get another insight to this Dream/Nightmare of a race, and from the ever so talented Nicky!!! I hope she'll be back in 2020. I'll share this video in of my next vlogs.

[@shaneo9054]

great channel mate

[@isabellind1292]

Thanks inov-8.😊🌎👍👍

[@firstlast7719]

Great video I ran only 1 marathon in '84 and applaud anyone who can attempt this, especially those 50+ it's a test of physical and mental toughness that should not be underestimated.

[@colinedward3147]

Going to be good, can’t wait!

[@runtothetrails]

Great film enjoyed that 😱 thanks for sharing. We hope you have a fantastic new year. ☺🤩

[@Lroselovely88]

Nicky, 2020 is your year if you put your soul through this transformative experience again! Wow!

[@Jochumvideos]

Amazing this is free to watch!

[@nareshnarayan4882]

Love Nicki's spirit, I pray that she does go back and conquer this!💪💪

[@giacdeg]

AMAZING!!! Congratulations on a great attempt and may Godspeed be with you on your next try.

[@CravingTrails]

Kudos for even starting a terrifying race like this! Next time will be better!

[@moss17dale]

Excellent documentary

[@Csili86]

These people are heroes even starting such a race! Respect for Nicky, what a strong and love;y lady!!!!! Thank you for this beautiful film.

[@mikesullivan2184]

not really heroes

[@Csili86]

@@mikesullivan2184 for me they are😊

[@JeroenvanOmme]

very inspiring

[@bhsooke]

Crazy race that inspires great films.

[@gavinma]

Truly inspirational

[@shoopshoop2399]

beautiful piece of film with amazing titling sequence

[@jt0308]

Nicky is such a super hero

[@tedtombling2770]

Wow! A very honest appraisal of your little team's efforts. The road less traveled is always the hardest - but generally the most satisfying. I really enjoyed your account of your experience.

[@fuscia13]

I watched her Double Bob Graham doc and it was excellent, she is excellent!

[@coryeveryday]

waiting patiently

[@inov8__]

Hope you enjoy the film, not long to go!

[@TyBraek]

Laz didn't just think that would be a good place for a 100 mile run. He said they were joking about seeing James Earl Ray only get 8 miles and said we could get 100 miles in that time.

[@jonathanknight8702]

Ty_Braek I found the opening scenes to be the weakest of the whole thing. The race origin story is so compelling but was very glibly explained here.

[@adaiyah-zerahbahtyahudah7860]

This was amazing!

[@inov8__]

Thank you!

[@rstowe8807]

really WONDERFUL film making skills!! A++

[@tonycunningham6625]

Just started rewatching as Nicky has just started rerunning it!

[@lydiagould3090]

Nicky is incredible! She has what it takes to finish an event as tough as this. The cold can beat the toughest person alive. Would have loved to have done it back in my running days, but they wouldn't have let me enter most probably.

[@mij9196]

Great video! 👍

[@richardbrabbs8283]

A valiant effort our lass

[@idepinedo]

Great video, I really liked the editing! If someone can complete this race, thats Nicky.

[@inov8__]

Thank you! Really glad you liked the film.

[@ghostpos]

Dope film even doper gal!

[@eriktred]

Barkley is insanely wonderful.

[@njaneardude]

Warrior heart and soul 👊👊👊

[@robertclarkson6064]

Great job. Stay strong 💪💪💪

[@ImaMonaKnight]

Huge Respect***

[@laniinla2354]

Inspiring.

[@samdunn2077]

This woman’s a warrior

[@user-gl9iz1bp1r]

‘Brothers (and Sisters) - What we do in life echoes in eternity.’ - Maximus (Gladiator). Worthy echo Nicky. For the rest of us, what will our echoes be?

[@dralissa123]

Amazing

[@doublepick]

These are special people...

[@MattBlickDotCom]

28:53 "Absolutely sweating cobs..." Love it!

[@user-gl9iz1bp1r]

Great stories as to the capacity of the human experience. Well done and I enjoyed the video.

[@Steve-vr6mq]

What an inspiration and so motivating. Are you returning to Barkley in 2020?

[@subliminalart.1637]

Love this woman 🥰

[@inov8__]

So do we Simon!

[@alanwetherelt7155]

A great inspirational watch , super editing etc .. 61 me not long into running . but if my run ever gets a bit tough I think of the Barkley..

[@inov8__]

Thanks a lot Alan - good luck with the running!

[@alanwetherelt7155]

@@inov8__ Thanks for your reply..I do own a pair of GTX Parkclaw.. tend to save them for the best of the trail stuff ..

[@midgicegg874]

Awesome...even completing one lap is a great accomplishment. It seems that completing all five laps would only be possible if the weather cooperates.

[@eduardogw7167]

Another excellent work by INOV-8. What a loving and inspiring lady ... God bless. I love these documentaries. I would like to know what songs (18:01) and (38:14), if possible INOV-8 ? Please ...regards!

[@amandacatenac8535]

Amazing, Incredible, Awsome, Powerful xoxoxooxxo

[@simontan9487]

Wow a very unique Ultra Marathon...

[@marlinweekley51]

Watched this multiple times - great video. I always notice some little something each time, like he asks if she is going out in long pants She says no it too warm - he’s wearing what appears to be an insulated jacket for just hanging around camp 😆

[@karinvanduijn6953]

Tea✅ comfy couch and blanket✅ cat on my lap✅ I am ready!

[@miketeale5672]

You have to wonder if the type of person who attempts this sort of challenge is simply put together fundamentally differently than Mr or Mrs "pretty tough". The suffering starts days or weeks before the event as the anticipation (dread?) builds. Then, after struggling through 12ish (twelve hours!!!) hours there could be another 48 to go. Impossible to rationalise along the lines of......"done the worst bit" or "only x% to go". An incredible feat to start the second round. Physical strength, obviously. But mentally, simply incredible. The video is top-notch but it should be, given the material to work with. Congratulations to all involved (from the bloke sitting on asofa swigging a coffee wondering if he'll run his standard 10k on the road tomorrow, given the forecast includes drizzle).

[@giovannipinci371]

👍 💚 🏃 🌳 🌲 veri beatiful bellissimo

[@cadechristopher6456]

In an effort to clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about the Barkley marathon, it was not inspired by the James Earl Ray escape in the way most people assume. James only made it 8 miles before he was captured. At the time Gary Cantrell 'Laz', was a long distance runner, knew the area the prison was in well, and found it comical James took so long to go only 8 miles. Laz thought he could at least do 100 miles in that time. So he came up with the marathon.

[@jmac1948]

I'd like to run one lap of the Barkley. Great film 👍

[@martinironfoot2844]

I read about this event in British GQ a few years ago. It’s almost unearthly 🏃🏻‍♂️

[@ImaMonaKnight]

Beautiful***

[@ItsNoelMulkey]

Love

[@steveyford7127]

Well done lass. From a fellow Yorkshire sole

[@scottlandis7753]

Best event in Running history.

[@crex-pd1vv]

I wish this video had spanish subtitles so i could show this to my mother

[@asherdash12]

Maybe if you can cast it to your television a TV setting can translate it. Also I'm sure there's probably an app that can do that but I don't know much about that stuff 😭

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

To get a taste of it, is already a big accomplishment. I'm sure she will be back better prepared, those weather conditions in that terrain, pretty crazy.

[@oldtoad76]

What a lovely woman and tough as nails to boot.