In the Spell of the Barkley

Unravelling the Mystery of the World's Toughest Ultramarathon

By: Michiel Panhuysen

Narrated by: Rupert Holliday-Evans

Bloomsbury presents In the Spell of the Barkley by Michiel Panhuysen, read by Rupert Holliday-Evans.

'A wonderful, compelling read'
Vassos Alexander, radio presenter and ultrarunner

Welcome to the Barkley Marathons, a fever dream of an ultra event, inspired by a prison break, heralded by a conch blast, paid for in cigarettes and socks, and completed only by a select few. A race in which competitors haul themselves up mountains, through extreme weather conditions, beyond pain and exhaustion, mile after mile. Completed 60 miles? That’s just the fun run.

Journalist and ultrarunner Michiel Panhuysen is a multiple-time Barkley entrant, having fallen under the spell of this most enigmatic of races – and its presiding philosopher-genius organizer Lazarus Lake – in the early 2010s. On each occasion, the Barkley won. The Barkley nearly always wins.

In the Spell of the Barkley is a story of sporting obsession, exploring what drives individuals to challenge themselves at the limits of what is possible – and what it takes to succeed.

©2023 Michiel Panhuysen (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Inspiring!

Great book about the Barkley. The dedication and will to complete the race is unmatched. Very inspirational. Must listen!

Great storytelling!

The Barkley Ultramarathon is a unique enigma, one that most of us can only aspire to understand. This splendidly crafted memoir provides a tantalizing glimpse into this world. The compelling narrative brims with heart, resilience, and humor. This book is not just a tale about the world's hardest ultramarathon, but also an exploration of the spell that the Barkley casts on those who can't help but enter the race that eats its young.

Interesting and entertaining

I enjoyed the accounts of the Berkley. As a long distance runner, the challenge of a run is always within oneself. Whether it is a personal PR or just to finish when everything feels off. I am inspired to listen to the challenges, the hope, determination, success and of the defeat involved with the Berkley. I have a true sense of appreciation, respect and honor for all the participants who have engaged in the Berkley. Thank you for sharing your stories and may they serve to help others who attempt such a difficult pursuit.

Very good and interesting for runners

I enjoyed it very much
The life and thoughts of an ultra runner
The narrator is excellent

inviting

I am enthralled with this race. I want it, and this reader delivers a fantastic rendition and makes it real

Very well told story

I enjoyed the pace and variance of the story and how the perspective evolved and changed along the tale.

Thanks for telling these stories.

Loved listening to this. MiG does a great job of telling some Barkley stories that have never been told.

What a story

Riveting, honest, and excellently narrated. I highly recommend this book to any who happen to be caught in the grasp of the running fates.

Outstanding… on so many levels

I’m on my third listen. For anyone who is training for an ultra, there are so many valuable lessons. This book is simply outstanding. While the book is about preparing for the Barkley Marathons, there are incredible take-away’s for mental training, physical training, and emotional training. Well done!

Good introduction to the Barkley marathons

Personal memoir of the author’s attempts at the Barkley marathons and an overview of its history. Good insight into what is required to be successful at ultramarathons.