Barkley Marathons ends with no finishers for the second consecutive year

February 16, 2026

Dense fog and rain at the 2026 edition of the Barkley Marathons resulted in the lowest number of starters to complete a single loop.

The early start and harsh weather proved too much for this year’s Barkley Marathons field, as the infamous ultramarathon ended with no finishers for the second consecutive year.

Competitors must also find and collect pages from 13 books hidden along the course; they take the page corresponding to their bib number, with a new bib issued for each loop. Missing pages result in disqualification. While water is available at certain points, there are no traditional aid stations. Runners can receive assistance from their crew only at the main camp between loops, but the clock continues to run. Running Mag