The whole "no coverage allowed" rule is really f****g stupid.
The reason for this rule is so the park doesn't get overrun by visitors. This race takes place off of the public trails, so they need a special permit. It's why only 40 ppl can participate each year. Park management almost shut it down for good so they're extra cautious. And sure, maybe some of the secrecy/tradition stuff isn't for you but they even did a documentary on this race it's not like there's no coverage at all.
It's also not *no* coverage as there are plenty of cameras at the start and at the top of that big hill (rat jaw?).
I would love to hear more details about shutting this thing down. You can't really call it a race, or can you?
The reason for this rule is so the park doesn't get overrun by visitors. This race takes place off of the public trails, so they need a special permit. It's why only 40 ppl can participate each year. Park management almost shut it down for good so they're extra cautious. And sure, maybe some of the secrecy/tradition stuff isn't for you but they even did a documentary on this race it's not like there's no coverage at all.
It's also not *no* coverage as there are plenty of cameras at the start and at the top of that big hill (rat jaw?).
I would love to hear more details about shutting this thing down. You can't really call it a race, or can you?
Of course you can call it a race. It's got competitors, rules, a distance (start/finish) and is timed (with a time limit).
For what it is worth, I am predicting that for the first time since 2017 there will be a finisher. In fact, due to the weather, and what I perceive to be a strong field, I predict there will be more than 1 finisher.
Since there is no GPS allowed, can one bring a compass? If I remember boyscout days, it helped a bit in figuring out where to go.
ya you are allowed a compass. I remember setting the "course record" at boy scout camp in some orienteering challenge bc I ran it (as a xc runner) and everyone else in years past always just hiked it.
Pretty sure I have forgotten all of those skills by now haha, but i am registered for the Barkley Fall Classic this year (much tamer "50k" version of this course, only on public trails so they can fit more ppl ~400).
The reason for this rule is so the park doesn't get overrun by visitors. This race takes place off of the public trails, so they need a special permit. It's why only 40 ppl can participate each year. Park management almost shut it down for good so they're extra cautious. And sure, maybe some of the secrecy/tradition stuff isn't for you but they even did a documentary on this race it's not like there's no coverage at all.
It's also not *no* coverage as there are plenty of cameras at the start and at the top of that big hill (rat jaw?).
I would love to hear more details about shutting this thing down. You can't really call it a race, or can you?
honestly i'm not sure my source. would guess hearsay in the barkley facebook group but I really dunno. i might have made it up! But I know that footprint/impact on the park, especially the off-trail areas, is a core issue for the organizers.
Interesting to see Joe "String Bean" McConaughy in there. Actually think he's better suited for this event than a traditional ultra runner.
agree w you here. believe orienteering is the biggest challenge, plus the vert/distance/conditions. Being fast on Western States or w/e doesn't necessarily translate here
Can't speak to Joe's orienteering skills, but the type of FKTs he does really do not require much orienteering because most long hiking trails are well marked. Considering that the Barkley is more of a power walk/slow jog than most competitive ultras, and he's got loads of experience with long days on the trail doing massive elevation gain/loss, some of which is probably in the dark, I think he's better suited than the type of guy that can do a traditional 100 miler trail run at like sub 10 min/mile.
Actually a very good point here from the people that think it's dumb to not even post the names of people entered:
Tired of the nicknames. The race and competition should be about the 40 people qualified to enter it, hoping that after lap 2 we’ll get actual names. Big language barrier for a lot of people tuning in. #BM100
agree - this is very stupid & makes an already difficult race to follow that much harder/less interesting
rethinking this - as the remaining runners dwindle it's gonna be easy to figure out who's who. not a big deal
Nah, still hate it over here. I understand the low key secrecy of the race but quite frankly they should release a start list once it's started. Don't do it before it's started to prevent fan bois from showing up.
Unofficial Loop 3 update: my faves Jasmin Paris and String Bean still in it:
Currently out there loop 3: John, Karl, nondescript, Christophe Nonorgue, Albert Herrero Casas, Damian Hall, Jasmin Paris (!), Joe McConaughy, Pavel Paloncy