The World’s Toughest Races

In the 30 years of this race’s existence, only 20 runners have finished. There are so many variables that make this race a challenge, beginning with a convoluted entry process to raise your stress levels before you even start the race. An imprecise race distance, unpredictable start time, and eccentric race director all contribute to Barkley’s infamy.

Can you navigate the 100+ mile, 60,000 feet elevation through Tennessee’s overgrown Frozen Head State Park? If you can you’ll best hundreds of pros that have tried, and failed, this famous race.

Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc

This iconic 100-mile ultra is one of the most scenic races on this list, maybe even of all time.  Starting in Chamonix, racers traverse around Mont Blanc through France, Italy, and Switzerland.

It can be difficult to enjoy the breath-taking views when you are without breath, climbing the 30,000 feet over incredibly technical terrain. Despite the difficulty, this trail-running mecca attracts around 2,500 runners every year, who are treated as celebs from the locals.

Marathon des Sables

This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most famous endurance races the world has ever seen. This seven-day multistage race is 150 miles of Saharan desert, where runners must endure severe heat through the sand dunes, all the while carrying their own food, water, first aid and extra clothes.

Attempting this race tests your sanity juts as much as your endurance as you will have plenty of soul searching to do throughout the race.

Extreme running events on these levels require extreme planning and are not for the faint of heart.