The Barkley Fall Classic

A few weeks back I casually said good luck to Cathy Downes and Dave Nichols and mentioned the Barkley Fall Classic, like most not having much of a clue of what the Barkley Fall Classic was. After seeing some of the post race photos though I knew that this, was no ordinary marathon.....so I looked it up.


The following description was taken from the race website.....

"The Barkley Fall Classic is designed to give the runner a taste of what the Barkley Marathons is about.

It contains all the elements: beautiful trails thru the rugged Brushy Mountains, surprising new elements to the course every year, with the course map not revealed until the night before the race, numerous hard climbs and descents (including some of the signature hills that have made the Barkley a thing of legend), and a very personal challenge to face down the demons that wait for us at our very limits of endurance.

The BFC is a 50 kilometer race, withe a ridiculous amount of climb and descent (with the attendant reward of numerous scenic vistas). The course is designed to challenge the runner mentally, as well as physically. GPS is Not ALLOWED, and those choosing to use it run the risk of a lifetime ban. Course markings only exist at major turns, leaving the runner to rely on their confidence that they have not made a wrong turn, or missed a right one. Long sections of very runnable trail follow on the heels of strength-sapping sections of hills...requiring the successful BFC runner to run, when every fiber of their being cries out for taking things slow to recover. The most devastating climbs hit at the runner's weakest moments. Everything is arranged to play on the doubts and weaknesses that exist in all of us. The BFC'er must not only beat the course to finish, but they must conquer their own darkest fears....

As a final Challenge, there is a 22.1 mile cutoff of nine and a half hours. Those who reach that point within the time limit are presented with a terrible choice. They can, with a word, choose to end the suffering and run an easy downhill grade for another 7 tenths of a mile, to record a marathon finish...or, they can strike out into another 9 miles of brutal climbs and descents in an an attempt to complete the 50k. Unlike other races with "drop-down" choice, those who choose to continue can n longer log a marathon. At the BFC it is all or nothing.

At the BFC, success is not guaranteed. It might even be considered unlikely. Fully a third of the aspiring entrants will come up with some reason not to be at the line when the starting cigarette is lit. (and who can blame them? at the BFC your very best is not good enough. It takes something a little more than that.) More than half of those who have the guts to toe the line will not finish the 50k. The Barkley Fall Classic is not for everyone. If you are only looking to impress your friends, there are a lot of better 50k's to choose from. You should pick one where you are sure to finish, if you don't screw up. If you are looking for a chance to find that something extra inside yourself....that something that you do not know for certain is there...the BFC is for you."



This left questions, so I looked to Cathy and Dave for answers and they were gracious enough to sit down and talk to me, okay, we didn't really sit down, in fact I don't think either one of them actually sits down at all, but they were nice enough to answer my text and answer a few questions about their experience.

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-What drew you to take on the Barkley Fall Classic knowing that the odds are typically greater of not finishing than they are of finishing?

Cathy:  The Barkley Fall Classic has a much higher finishers rate than the Barkley Marathons, That being said, it is on the same course and has the same race director. This Spring I was searching for an ultra that wasn't more than a six hour drive in the month of September. When I started reading about how difficult this course was I was intrigued. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I was ready for a whole new kind of challenge. This race was very much out of my comfort zone. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am directionally challenged.

Dave:  The thought of not finishing never entered my mind. The Barkley has a reputation of being one of the toughest ultras around......that's why I signed up!

-How, if any, differently did you train for this event and what would you do different if you were to run it again?

Cathy:  I would definitely take it easier on the first 7 miles. I would also not get so cocky about knowing where I'm going and pay more attention. Getting lost is kind of scary in the deep woods. The most important thing that would probably make a huge difference is that I would do my best not to lollygag and chat. You have to make constant, consistent forward motion if you want to finish this one. The difficult parts are extremely difficult, so it is important that you make swift progress on the parts of the race where it is possible.

Dave:  I didn't do much different other than to focus more on trail training. For sure I would work on my overall fitness and strength.

-What was one of the single worst things that happened to you during the race?

Cathy:  Loss of confidence for about an hour or so before the first aid station. I got to have a nice conversation with the RD's wife and after that break I was back!

Dave:  This didn't happen to me, but I came across several that were stung numerous times by yellow jackets. The worst thing that happened to me was it took me down mentally.

-In your eyes, what was the most difficult part of the race physically and mentally?

Cathy:  Knowing good and well that the course gets more difficult as you go.

Dave:  The relentless climbs some of which require climbing up on all fours.

-What was the biggest positive that you will take away from this race that may help you in your next marathon, ultra or other?

Cathy:  I feel empowered. If I can do that race, I should be able to do most of the ultras that are out there. Even though I didn't make the cut off, I did get to do the whole marathon distance and I am confident with this experience that without unforeseen circumstances I can finish the marathon distance within the time constraints.

Dave:  The fact that I was unable to complete this race will drive me to work harder and continue to push my limits.

-And the biggest question, will you do it again?

Cathy:  I do plan to do this one again, if not in 2017 then 2018. For some crazy reason, I got on the wait list yesterday. Lordy!!  It's a grudge mach now. I always pay my debts!

Dave:  My head says Heck No!!!  My heart says you have unfinished business...I am on the waiting list for 2017!

This certainly answered the questions I had about this one of a kind event, and I quickly erased it from my bucket list, but if you find it is for you and have further question I'm sure they would be more than happy to tell you more.......while on a run of course.

Thanks to Cathy and Dave for taking time out of their busy race and daily schedule, and to the Barkley Fall Classic Facebook page for the photos.