Wartburg, Tennessee — A failed escape into East Tennessee’s mountainous terrain by convicted assassin James Earl Ray in June 1977 gave Gary Cantrell an idea for a race that has become known as one of the world’s hardest ultramarathons. Set on an unmarked, rugged course through briar-infested woods, the Barkley Marathon is so difficult some runners don’t consider it a real race.

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“Testing the capacity for survival doesn’t necessarily require being placed in harsh surroundings. All of us, whether living at an extreme or protected by an advanced society, are surrounded by emotional and mental, if not physical obstacles. We spend most of our lives on the near side of those barriers, even as we long to surmount them. We take the easy way out, arguing, often with much validity, that to do so is safer or more practical.

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Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, a muscle physiology researcher at McMaster University in Canada, knows all about the exhortations by supplement makers and many nutritionists on what to eat and when to eat it for optimal performance. The idea is that you are supposed to consume carbohydrates and proteins in a magical 4-to-1 ratio during endurance events like a long run or bike ride, and right after. The belief is that such nutritional diligence will improve your performance and speed your recovery.

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We had a beautiful morning with the lake shining under an early mist and lots of clear water flowing in the streams on the longer courses; beautiful. Four courses were run - an easy 4km or 8km run/walk beside the lake, 21km adding upper Cabbage Tree Creek and hills, or a tough 33.3km run which includes Boombana Knob. For more event information, click here; for final results, click here. Click “Read more” for pics and a full report…

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Not a trail run, but it feels like a trail run! Lots of undulations over a solid 18.5km course, with short sections of trails along the way. Very social as you travel by steam train to the start - plus  non-running supporters get a good deal, travelling to the start at Dagun by bus then boarding the ‘Valley Rattler’ to cheer on the runners as they make their way back to the old Gympie Station. Info and entry at www.thevalleyrattler.com

Try our  Trail Quiz  to see how you rate …

         … PS this quiz reflects its origins in the Canadian ultra scene;
             at TRAQ we also value short runs for normal people!

The Porcupine Gorge Challenge is an eight kilometre run/walk along the base of the Gorge system, with $A1200 in prize money on offer and perpetual trophies. Race categories include open, men’s and women and junior events. The even also caters for the not so serious with many walkers expected to take on the eight kilometre challenge though the picturesque Porcupine Gorge.

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The first meeting with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was very helpful, particularly because QORF (Queensland Outdoor Recreation Forum) had brought together a diverse group of interested groups with relevant experience.

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