Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / ‘A race that’s kinda crazy called Barkley’ – new film showcases astonishing debut win

‘A race that’s kinda crazy called Barkley’ – new film showcases astonishing debut win

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

The start of the 2024 Barkley Marathons surely beckons soon but, before then, the event has already reached a wider audience thanks to a new documentary released this week.

Back in 2014 ‘The Race That Eats Its Young‘, which was originally streamed on Netflix, took the race from near-obscurity to millions of households with over five million downloads to date.

Many excellent films have followed – we’ve brought together five of the best here – and now the documentary reportage arm of France’s L’Équipe has produced a 52-minute feature around Aurélien Sanchez‘s incredible victory in Tennessee 12 months ago.

Advertisement

Sanchez’s amazing Barkley debut

The Frenchman defied conventional wisdom by winning on his very first attempt at what is regarded as the most brutal ultramarathon around – and certainly one with the highest non-completion rate.

Sanchez was one of three to complete last year – the first time anyone had made it around all five 20-mile loops at Frozen Head State Park since 2017.

He returned ahead of John Kelly and Karel Sabbe, who himself is about to release his own film on YouTube called #17 to mark the fact he was the 17th-ever finisher – and we’ll take a look at that later this week.

But first to Sanchez’s remarkable feat – which was also a first for France – and the documentary around it provides many more great insights into a race that is shrouded in secrecy.

Aurelien Sanchez Barkley Marathons winner 2023 [Photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram]
The 2023 Barkley Marathons winner Aurélien Sanchez [Photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram]

“You always know the people who have a shot because you can see it in their eyes,” says legendary Barkley creator Lazarus Lake of Sanchez in the film.

Advertisement

‘A race that’s kinda crazy’

And writing on Instagram about the film, Sanchez says: “Came out today on L’Équipe Explore.

“March 2017 I started dreaming, trying to run a race that’s kinda crazy called Barkley.

“Six years of obsession, discovery, emotion and sharing an introspective journey that made me live and grow as a racer, but especially as a person.

“This 52min reportage tries to convey and narrate this project, which led me to finally participate in this race in March 2023 for the first time. 😊

“Excited to share this with you 🙌🏼😌”

The post below gives a flavour of the film, the full version of which is behind a monthly subscription paywall. And with L’Équipe’s social following of over 10 million it is likely the notoriety of the Barkley Marathons is poised to step up again.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

John Kelly start Barkley Marathons 2023 photo credit: Davidmillerphotography_ on Instagram
‘My running dissertation’ – John Kelly primed for epic 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail attempt
Alex Yee Eliud Kipchoge Coros meeting post London Marathon 2 photo credit COROS
Alex Yee on meeting his idol Eliud Kipchoge and getting kudos from Kilian Jornet after marathon debut
Jack Scott crosses finish line Montane Winter Spine Race 2024
‘A low point, I won’t forget’ – British ultrarunning star on missed Cocodona 250 opportunity
Eliud Kipchoge London Marathon 2025
Marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge backs Brit’s world record attempt to cross Australia
Courtney Dauwalter winning the UTMB 2023
Ultrarunning GOAT Courtney Dauwalter reveals reason for Cocodona 250 DNF
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...

Help Shape The Future Of 247 For A Chance To Win A £100 SportsShoes Voucher

By understanding what matters most to you, we can focus on delivering the content, features and benefits that matter most. By answering our survey, you'll be in with a chance of winning a £100 SportsShoes voucher PLUS you can help us to create something really exciting and shape the future of endurance sports content.