“He created the anti-race. Virtually every aspect of his baby flies in the face of traditional race procedure — how and when to apply for entrance are not published, nor are qualifications or requirements; many ultras have a $1,000+ fee, the Barkley’s is $1.60 plus an item of Cantrell’s choosing such as a pair of gold toes dress socks; runners will be apprised of the race date upon acceptance, and they don’t know the course until the night before; the start time is again at Cantrell’s whim within an 11 hour window; the race starts when Cantrell lights a cigarette.” Deadspin on The Brutality Of The Barkley Marathons. (And yes, that’s marathons with an S.)