The Barkley Fall Classic
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The Barkley Fall Classic
The Barkley Fall Classic is a 50 km trail race held at Frozen Head State Park in Tennessee and organized by Durbin Race Management. The course runs through the Brushy Mountains and includes a large amount of climb and descent with numerous scenic vistas. The official course map is not revealed until the night before the race, and course markings exist only at major turns. GPS devices are prohibited and using them can result in disqualification and a lifetime ban.
The event includes a mandatory decision point at the split between the marathon and 50 km courses. Runners who stop at that point may record a marathon finish on an easy downhill section, while those who choose to continue commit to the remaining miles and cannot later claim the marathon. A working flashlight is required at the decision point to continue toward the 50 km award. Other rules include no pacers, no drop bags or caching, no trekking poles, no GU packets except in approved flasks, and requirements to report a drop to race staff to avoid search and rescue responses. Runners must keep an additional bib visible on their back and allow faster runners to pass. Emergency medical staff, park rangers, and race personnel may remove participants at their discretion. Male and female winners receive guaranteed entry slots in the Big Barkley. An 80 percent refund is available before June 1. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
