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Barkley Marathons
Barkley Marathons

Director(s): Lukáš LacinaCZ30 min.2025
Categoriesdocumentary
Accessibilitynot suitable for minors under 12 years of age
LanguagesCzech (orig.)
Black and white / colourcolor

The Barkley Marathons are rightfully considered one of the toughest ultramarathons in the world. Created in the 1980s in the mysterious setting of the U.S. state of Tennessee, only a few dozen people have managed to finish the race in more than 40 years. Not only does it have no official course, but the application process itself is notoriously complex, and the start signal is given by the organizer lighting a cigarette.

The film follows Czech adventurer and ultra-endurance athlete Pavel Paloncý as he takes on the Barkley Marathons for the third time. This time, his goal is not only to conquer the course, but also to push beyond his own limits. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary race, the raw reality of extreme physical and mental strain, and reveals Pavel’s determination, sense of humor, and philosophy in facing extreme challenges.

Projection of Barkley Marathons at MOUNTAINS AND CITY 2026
Film block: TRAIL RUNNING: PATRIK MILATA
Reservations unavailableTickets not yet on sale
* Program subject to change