My Farewell to Frozen Head State Park

Thank you to everyone who has supported and cheered for me at the Barkley Marathons over the years. This was my farewell tour and it gave me more than I ever could've hoped for. I hope you enjoy my 2024 Barkley summary.
Thanks once again to my friend Steve Fassezke for his assistance with the editing of these videos.

[@tammysouthworth370]

Your Barkley documentary is the best documentary I have ever seen and should be seen by all. The heart and soul of it is inspiring. I recommend “Where Dreams Go To Die” to everyone!

[@GaryRobbins]

🙏

[@Thunderbolt12966]

I can second that.

[@sherlockwang604]

Whenever I lose training motivation I load up the doco to amp myself up. I've watched it at least 10 times already.

[@b2860]

Listened to the documentary for motivation hundreds of times

[@ghostpos]

Really appreciate how you've turned your focus from competition towards the community and race directing. TGR's film on your Barkley story inspired me to run my first ultra and still inspires me to this day. You're a great ambassador to the sport and hope you continue to be!

[@GaryRobbins]

Thank you so much! 🙏

[@pavolhrubaj3681]

​@@GaryRobbins @ghostpos Same here! I didn't finish my first backyard ultra in Slovakia 🇸🇰 called big bears backyard ultra. Started running on paternity leave 3 years ago. Had a second kid, never stopped. One of the reasons I signed up is your inspiring story, Gary. Thank you for sharing your experience and the interviews with fellow runners. You all are awesome human beings. 🙏✌️

[@mathilde569]

You’ve given so much to the world, I hope you know that. Your story, your testimony now, all of that have had a major impact on so many runners all over the world. I am in awe of your sportsmanship, your resilience and your generosity. By chasing your white whale for so long, and yet never exactly catching it, you’ve gifted the world of running with the example of a spirit we should all aspire to.

[@laurachevalier9350]

I think you know more about what it takes to finish Barkley than most anyone. I really enjoyed your recap and interviews with the finishers. Thank you for sharing!

[@GaryRobbins]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate your kind words.

[@KevleVid]

I'm happy for you Gary; this was excellent and a genuine relief that you got the closure you deserve. Where Dreams Go To Die - regardless of the ending - is an inspiration and showed us all the kind of decent, tough and relatable guy you are. Would love to see you pop up in another of Ethan's films as his pacer again!

[@GregChand]

You're a legend Gary! Thanks!

[@jimgray7291]

Great farewell speech Gary! Your story from many years ago has made me watch the Barkley every year cheering on those men and women doing the near impossible. I'm glad you got to witness Jasmine's history setting moment. Best to you in future endeavors!

[@HenrikJohansson]

Closure and inspiration! The perfect ending and description of your journey and the fabulous race this year. I couldn't imagine better conclusion!

[@jono1432]

Gary, Thank you. For what you've done for the running community. For what you've accomplished. For allowing us along in your Barkley (and running) journey. For what you are going to do for running. You represent everything that is good about this sport.

[@tagscalabretti]

That was well put, I am glad I got to meet you this year while I crewed my friend Steve. You’re an inspiration and I am glad you have gotten closure. Wish you all the luck on your future adventures!!!

[@rtwogb]

awesome job on this as usual Gary, you are one of reasons I follow this event and ultra running

[@AlpinePreparedness]

Really appreciate this heartfelt video, your documentary is still one of the best films and I have loved every coast mountain race you have ‘high fived’ me at the end, thank you so much

[@BM-di6wr]

Nice race summary Gary, and lots of respect for being able to find closure and move on. I know what it's like having that "unfinished" monkey on your back (DV50 for me) but I haven't reached acceptance yet. Hope to see you on the trail, or better yet at a finish line one day.

[@CivilWarSteve]

Awesome sendoff Gary! You're a class act in every sense of the word and inspired many along the way. I'm sure it was not easy to arrive at the point of saying "farewell" to such a big dream. I admire you that much more for being able to make the right call for you and your family. You are a champion in life which is more important than being a Barkley finisher. Thank you for opening a window into your Barkley journey through the documentaries. You will forever be a Barkley legend, even if not for the reasons you originally hoped -- but that in itself is what makes you unique in Barkley lore and mystique. Your presence has added to the event! God bless your future endeavors!!!

[@GaryRobbins]

Thank you so much for the kind words and balanced take on things. I appreciate so much when people hear what I'm saying and take me at my word on this stuff. All the best to you in your future endeavours as well.

[@ridendurance]

So much respect for you Gary. You are synonymous with the Barkley and always will be. We all love your incredible dedication to this race and watching your journey and personal growth.

[@kenbroeckel133]

I appreciate you very much Gary & wish you & your family continued peace, health & happiness. I am an amateur road & trail runner 😅 & have benefited greatly from all you share.

[@GaryRobbins]

Really nice to read this, thank you so much 🙏

[@darlingrunnerpt3342]

You are the only runner I will ever remember from the Barkley. Loved Ethan’s coverage of your history of the race.

[@djclass005]

Your story is a testament to the difficulty of the race, so many chips have to fall into place to be able to finish! You are so capable, and proved that time and again, and still you couldn’t finish. Cause every time some factors were a little too much off. I greatly enjoyed to follow your inspiring journey!!

[@mikegallagher2732]

THANK YOU Gary.... For All the years Us Fans have rooted for you At Barkley !!!!!! Crewing for John must Have been just BEYOND Awesome. WHAT A WAY TO GO OUT... And a year UNLIKE ANY OTHER !!!!

[@brian9735]

Your Oilers are looking good! Loved following your Barkley quest. Respect! ✊🏼

[@MelB422]

I loved all your Barkley interviews this year. I am glad that you got to go and experience it as a crew member.

[@Sanko1960]

It is profoundly thought-provoking to hear you describe what it takes to complete the Barkley Marathons or, as you did, to come painfully, heart-breakingly close. I so admire your humility and your genuine happiness at the accomplishments of the others, as well as your own remarkable achievements.

[@Magnus.Anderlund]

Thanks Gary! This is the kind of genuine videos that is why it interesting to follow you. Keep it up! Thanks from Sweden. /Magnus

[@kstoeb]

Wisdom and greatness were the first words that came into my mind, while listening to your final paragraph. For me you are a beacon in the ultra endurance outdoor world. Thank you 🙏

[@FeWH]

God bless you Sir! You are an Amazing person & Runner! Keep running.

[@lukegraham5105]

No matter what happens, you are always a true mountain/trail SAVAGE! Still so pumped I finally got to meet you in person at PedalSport! Just a fellow Chilliwackian that's massively inspired and motivated by your story and everything you've done! 👊 I'm sure I'll run in to you again soon!

[@merkin22]

What a great tribute to the human spirit that the Barkley Marathons represents. Wonderful.

[@mikeyhall1345]

Your Barkley videos have been brilliant to watch. Amazing. And you finished it all off nicely. All the best Gary.

[@serginho6837]

This brings a sad feeling in my stomach but completely respect your decision. A true legend of a special event

[@timruiz3041]

Wow! Loved following your journey @ Barkley! Thanks for the memories!

[@jennifercloss684]

Love this for you Gary! Excellent recap and insight into what it meant for you, thank you for sharing.

[@GaryRobbins]

Thanks Jenn!

[@shelleywilkins9339]

Respect

[@davidhayward1261]

Brilliant documentary and good to see you back on the screen 🖥️. Great job done 👍

[@malcolmbaron7834]

Nice buddy. Enjoyed your footage this year and the doco is what got me started. Glad you found your peace.

[@elizabethera39]

LOVED your documentary the best!! You’re such an Inspiration 😊😊

[@heatherstirling8561]

So much respect for you, Gary! Thanks for sharing

[@nickflemming-nichol908]

Loved this Gary. The last sentence of the video was masterful, because I think a lot of us feel that! You've given me great pleasure in watching your Barkley Marathon journey and I'm so glad you had such a great last visit. Keep doing what you do❤

[@kyleo4539]

Kudos dude! Incredible life content over the years.

[@charlesblankenship539]

Thank you for this very moving video. I am so happy that you received the closure for which you were looking. I agree that this was the best Barkley so far.

[@alancooper59]

Thanks for the video Gary because, from a selfish point of view; this gave ME closure on YOUR journey!

[@Mookiethedog]

Awesome vid Gary.....you picked an amazing year to witness, work and experience! Definitely this is greater closure than crewing Laz walking across the country!

[@debrabourne3486]

Thank you for this - great to hear about it from your perspective.

[@tearunnerslab]

Great reflections! Good luck on next adventures! Hope you film more

[@bctrailbagger]

What a journey, thanks for sharing Gary!

[@Shevock]

Great insight into the world's toughest race. Thanks for your video log.

[@billaiken9959]

Brilliant and heartfelt video. Respect.

[@JensMikael]

Grateful for you! 🙏🏻

[@markclulow]

Beautiful video. Thank you Gary

[@shanekusak4345]

Great stuff Gary.

[@carolineeastburn9355]

Thank you, Gary!

[@user-ze9uy5iq5o]

Laz has legal rights to restrict people’s access from a state park because they happen to show up on the day(s) he declares a bunch of elite trail runners will scramble through mud and briars to find book pages he hid? My home owner’s insurance used Google maps to determine my back deck on 14 acres of property was several inches too high, and I had to send them photographic proof I lowered it enough in order to have my insurance renewed. Life is funny. You’re a great inspiration to many Gary. Thank you for being the one to introduce this decades old exclusive suffer fest to thousands of us back of the packers.

[@GaryRobbins]

No, but they book out the entire campground for the race. The park is still open to the public.

[@khai6101]

Love it! Thanks for sharing not only your experience this year, but your entire journey. I'm unlikely to ever toe the line at an event like this but I have crewed for Ultraman several times, so I have a peek into what the support side is like. You're not exaggerating at how exhausting it is! I look forward following along on your future endeavours, and hope for nothing but mad success for all your races. The new WAM replacement will absolutely kill!

[@GaryRobbins]

Thank you so much for the kind words of support 🙏

[@joshcaldwell6946]

Thanks for the amazing recap Gary! You’ve inspired me and so many others through your Barkley journey. Glad you could have such an incredible end to this chapter of your life.

[@natewoodcock4248]

You’re the man Gary

[@susanhinde2114]

Such a good commentary. Agree with all the comments below.

[@raveagainstracism]

You are a gentleman.

[@GaryRobbins]

Much appreciated 🙏

[@toddboucher3302]

Closure is interesting. I’m glad yours ended good I had. I’ve been trying to run this race. Wait till I was ready here in Georgia called the cruel jewel and I knew I had to be ready for it and I’m 60 I’m 62 now and this year, a little bit before the race which is in a few weeks at work, I fell through a porch ripped the muscle in my to my abductor to my hip flexor and so I had to say well that’s it. I’m not gonna even attempt it you know cause I’m just I’m getting cool. That’s all my wife. I’m just satisfied with the races that I can run and I don’t have to run this one even though it’s been a hope of mine for a whileor they have 50 things happen you get to say OK I’m done anything. God was probably saying that race will kill you at your age this year. Keep it up.

[@wingtaylor9175]

Way to be, Boss. Happy for you.

[@GaryRobbins]

Thanks my friend!

[@caloriesoffun6569]

❤❤❤

[@paulanthony1689]

Enjoyed your participation in the event over the years. Sad you won't be a part of it- loved your race footage, Vlog and interviews from this year. Bad luck with the weather a few years there as well as Covid; you would have been with the finishers for sure during this good weather year. Best wishes on your future endeavors.

[@what_it_is]

You will be back...when Laz asks you to take over as the Race Director :P Thanks for the video!

[@greggotheeggo]

So close yet so far

[@Welther47]

Does this mean you are retiring from challenging ultraruns - at least for some years?

[@grennangoeshiking]

Question: Do you think Laz will eventually give up trying to make it harder?

[@GaryRobbins]

the thing to keep in mind here is that they are never trying to make it impossible, they are trying to keep it near a 1% finisher rate, so once someone, or multiple people finish, they have confirmed the current iteration is in fact doable. There have been years where the adjustments made were too drastic and proved undoable, where people haven't even come close and they've (Laz + team) then altered things accordingly. To answer your question then, they will always make changes to keep increasing the difficulty just slightly after people finish, but it's already in a space where you kinda need some luck with weather to be able to do so. The start time also greatly affects the challenge as an early start means more darkness and finishing in the dark as well, which on lap 5 is no easy feat. This year the runners lucked out a bit with an ideal weather window, and an ideal start time. Alter either of those things and we'd maybe only be looking at a single finisher in 2024. One final thing that is noteworthy, is that with a 5 lap race, each small change you make is 5x in added time, so if the course is but 10 mins harder, it is in fact 50 mins harder overall. All in all it's a fine line they manage to walk with the course design and by and large they get it right more often than not.

[@Simco_]

The AI license plates are killing me.

[@PamajFTW]

Its on me now?! FUCKKKKKKK

[@CouchtotheSummit]

it may not be your farewell to this park - you have a son who may follow in his dad's footsteps one day 😅

[@GaryRobbins]

My son is far too smart to get into a dumb sport like ultrarunning 😆

[@sweetiemcgee]

why did the ging stop making movies?

[@GaryRobbins]

Ethan is a good friend, but I do not have the answer to that one for you.

[@tonyschwartz8790]

you're going back... the run will evolve

[@dawei7]

You should try it again. So sad.

[@studiohost]

Hey man, go the other direction and create something new, less expensive and natural to the runner . Keep trail running fr$$ and fun .