As of March 16, 2020, the 2020 Barkley Marathons were announced as canceled by Keith Dunn on Twitter due to the coronavirus and related travel issues. Great decision, laz, but bummer nonetheless…
The 2020 Barkley Marathons has been canceled. #BM100
— Keith (@keithdunn) March 16, 2020
I was just putting this together as I learn who’s running, or who might be. If you happened to know of racers who were in the 2020 Barkley (and have gotten their condolences letter) let me know. Until then, be safe out there (and in there).
In the meantime, pass some time watching the Barkley by watching the documentaries and movies. Enjoy!
Non-Barkers of the Non-Barkley
As of March 16, this is who we thought would run:
Possible Victim | Details |
---|---|
Men | |
Leif Abrahamsen (NOR) – | Announcement Ultra Signup |
Guillaume Calmettes? – | Ultra Signup – |
Jamil Coury – | Training Video Ultra Signup |
Enrico Frigeri (BRA) – | Announcement – |
Jeff Garmire? – | Ultra Signup – |
Frank Gonzalez? BFC 2019 #1 | Ultra Signup – |
Greig Hamilton? – | Ultra Signup – |
Tomokazu Ihara? – | Ultra Signup – |
Miguel Lara – | Announcement Ultra Signup |
David Limousin (FRA) Out due to Coronavirus | Announcement Corona Virus Cancellation Pre-Race Interview Ultra Signup |
Andy Pearson – | Training Video Ultra Signup |
Krapa Rando? – | – – |
Jake Rankinen? – | Ultra Signup – |
Gary Robbins (CAN) – | Announcement Ultra Signup |
Karel Sabbe? – | Ultra Signup – |
Johan Steene (SWE) Out due to Coronavirus | Coronavirus Cancellation Ultra Signup |
Others? Let us know! | – – |
Women | |
Liz Canty BFC 2019 #1 | Confirmed Mar 3 via FB Ultra Signup |
Maggie Guterl Big Dog 2019 Winner | Ultra Signup – |
Ashley Hazlett? – | – – |
Darcy Piceu? – | Facebook Ultra Signup |
Isobel Ross (AUS) – | Pre-Race Interview Ultra Signup |
Marianna Zaikova? – | – – |
Others? | |
Starters | Usually 40+/- |
Note that women are indicated with an underline. If you know the other runners or can suggest other race reports, let me know. I’ll update as new information comes in.
Runner Notes
Lief Abrahamsen is the first Norwegian invited to the Barkleys (via Google Translate): “If I have to complete 5 laps in Barkley, everything has to hit, I have to hit with navigation, the weather has to be on our side – some years it is simply impossible and complete due to difficult weather and fog – and I have to have a top day physically and mentally.“
Jamil Coury and Andy Pearson announced they were into the Barkleys in a YouTube “Bootcamp” video:
And here later was the sad notice of cancellation from Jam Jam himself:
The 2020 Barkley Marathons has been cancelled.
— Jamil Coury (@JamilCoury) March 16, 2020
Brazilian Enrico Frigeri will be coming to the Barkleys to represent Latin America. According to Go Outside Brazil, “Enrico was one of the 20 foreigners chosen, the only one from Latin America, for the 2020 edition. Another 20 North Americans should be selected this month. Due to a confidentiality contract, the Brazilian can only say that the proof is in March.”
Through-hiker Jeff Garmire talks about Barkley 2020 training here.
Miguel Lara was announced as a Barkley runner this year on the Born to Rub Instagram account: “…Miguel Lara has been selected to participate in the Barkley Marathons. We are super excited to support and follow along his journey.
David Limousin of France appears to be participating in part to draw attention to Type 1 diabetes. His announcement video is below, but only in French. See also this article in Wider Trail Outdoors magazine. You can also read his pre-race interview here:
Runner and photographer Krapa Rando has been training hard, as shown in a video posted to Facebook. See some of his great training videos here.
Gary Robbins is coming back for his fourth try: “I did, of course, get my letter of condolences for the 2020 Barkley Marathons. And after last week’s training, my first 30K week in almost two years since March 2018. I’m finally confident enough to say, not only are we going back to the Barkley this year, I have high hopes.” Gary also noted on FB, “My buddy Jake [Rankinen] ]got into the Barkley this year, after 5 years of applying.”

Isobel Ross at 2019 Barkleys
Isobel Ross will be returning for her second Barkley. See pre-race interview.
See you in 2021!!!
More about the Barkleys
If you see any other race reports buy runners or crew, or particularly good recaps, let me know. And as always, if you want to learn more about the Barkley, check out the following:
- Barkley Finish Stats
- 2019 Results | 2021 Results
- People of the Barkley (Barkers)
- Terms & Quick Reference
- Top 10 Barkley Documentaries
Peace, and good luck Out There.
Magnus
Leif Abrahamsen is going to run The Barkleys. He will be the first norwegian to participate. Runners World Norway have written about him competing two times.
https://www.runnersworld.no/f-rste-nordmann-i-barkley-marathons/
He recently ran Montane Legens Trail to warm up to The Barkleys:
https://www.kondis.no/leif-loep-legends-trail-som-oppvarming-til-barklay-marathons.6289278-127695.html
Posilicious
Thanks, Magnus. Updated.
Scott
Jamil Coury announced that he’s going back. I would assume Maggie Guterl is also as I believe the winner of Big’s gets an automatic entry. And Gary Robbins mentioned a few weeks ago that he has a friend who is in.
Posilicious
Thanks, Scott. Updated / will add more when I find it.
Scott G
Darcy Piceu posted on her instagram a picture from Frozen Head. She didn’t exactly “announce”, but I don’t think a runner of her caliber and reputation would post something like that if she wasn’t in. She has previously mentioned that she has applied, but couldn’t make it one year due to family committments.
Posilicious
Thanks, Scott. I’ve added her as a possible. Be great to have a strong field of women like her in contention.
John Clarke
Gary Robbins disclosed on January 26 via FB and other social media that Jake Rankinen got into BM100 this year. Facebook question clarifying if it was Rankinen he was referring to with “my buddy Jake” post and Gary affirmed that.
Posilicious
John, thanks. I’ve updated, but can you point me to the FB post? Thanks. Appreciated.
John Clarke
I can’t post the screen shot here. Go to Gary Robbins Facebook page and scroll down to January 26. Then, in the comments there is the question clarifying Jake who.
John Clarke
Link here:
https://www.facebook.com/garyrobbinsrun/videos/586206105561458/
Posilicious
Got it, thanks. Should be a great field.
John Clarke
Jamil Coury’s Barkley bootcamp YouTube post on March 2 disclosed Andy Pearson got in this year. They were both at FHSP doing training.
Posilicious
Thanks again. Added. And cool video
Samuel Hartman
This was all the talk at the Caballo Blanco Ultramarathon this past weekend:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B78jMIgnyp2/
Posilicious
Thanks, Sam. Added.
Tabitha Anabel Bright
Isobel Ross is running in 2020 Barkley from Australia 🙂
Posilicious
Thanks, Tabitha. Where did you see this announced?
Fredrik
I guess that Johan Steene (Swedish runner) will run BM this year, it will be his 3rd or 4th attempt if so. I follow him on instagram (sugrorsmannen) and he is being active. He posted pictures with Gary Robbins in january when they were running together. No announcement yet though.
Posilicious
Thanks, Fredrik. I’ll add
Coelhão
Enrico Frigeri, brazilian, will runner in 2020.
https://gooutside.com.br/brasileiro-e-selecionado-para-a-dificil-e-misteriosa-barkley-marathon/
(sorry, just in portuguese).
Posilicious
Thanks, Enrico. Added. Great to see someone from Brazil!
Tabitha Anabel Bright
She coached me for a period of time, and we chat a bit. She is a gun and determined 🙂
CactusAdmin
Tabitha, thanks. Who are you referring to?
Christophe Stahl
Hi, I saw Guillaume Calmettes and Tomokazu Ohara on Ultrasignup. Getting excited!!!
CactusAdmin
Cristophe, where did you see them on Ultra Signup? Thanks
Nicole Jessome
What’s the date for 2020?
CactusAdmin
It’s like Fight Club. First rule, no one talks about Fight Club. 🙂
CactusAdmin
If you go here, Keith Dunn will tell us when it’s publicly announced.
https://twitter.com/hashtag/bm100?lang=en