WHERE DREAMS GO TO DIE - Gary Robbins and The Barkley Marathons 

While watching this I pondered if I could run such a race. As I drank my coffee, sitting in my reclining chair, some coffee went down the wrong pipe and I almost choked to death. I answered my own question.

"I haven't slept for 96 hours - I couldn't recognise anything - am I making sense right now" says man behind wheel of vehicle

can we get some love for John Kelly, guy was a beast to do it alone

This is how our grandparents describe what their daily trip to school was like.

I'd like to give a big shout-out of respect to Gary's wife; it must be exhausting to be that supportive.

John Kelly asking "where's Gary?"...not because he wants to know if he won, but because he's worried and wants to know that he's okay. Through the exhaustion and everything he went through and not to mention defeating the Barkley. Show me a more pure example of sportsmanship...I'll wait...

5 finished the Barkley today and the 1st woman finisher as well. Jared Campbell is now a FOUR TIME FINISHER! 🎉

John Kelly was god damn triumphant. Three years in a row and he finally got to the finish line. After the fourth lap on his second year he looked dead. The emotion in the people around him when he finally made it. I was crying.

This film is the high water mark of what is available on RU-vid. Other "creators", networks, and Netflix.... take notice.

I actually had forgotten which platform I was watching this on, Netflix - Amazon - nope....youtube. This film rivals any running doc I've watched on any big budget station/platform. Thank you for your commitment to creating wonderful content. Absolutely stunning.

Feel terrible for him but I’m glad they kept the rules strict and didn’t bend them to give him the finish although he was so close. It keeps stuff like that respectable and real

Imagine being awake for 72h+ trailing to the dark woods with a headlamp, man those hallucinations must be pretty scary

I love the rules ? No sponsors No tshirt , no medal , no nothing , just the experience , why do it ? because its the hardest

Heinz needs to sponsor this man. Some athletes drink red bull, some monster, this guy just shoots ketchup in his mouth straight out the bottle.

The hero of the story is John Kelly. Dude totally redeemed himself after napping in the woods.

Garry's wife needs to win person of the year. She sounds incredibly supportive :)

All that torture, and he has only smiles for his kid. THAT's a father. What an amazing story, this should be shown everywhere. As far as I'm concerned, he's a freaking running hero.

I'm not a runner. I was just bored and needed something to watch tonight and was recommended this. As it turns out, I haven't watched anything quite this captivating in many months, maybe even years. An awesome film about an incredible man, and an equally incredible family with whom he shared the event. This film is one of those that stay with you for a long time. Thank you.

Gary has attempted 3 times now. But 2019 he couldn't due to a fractured bone. The 2020 Barkley was cancelled due to covid. Guess he's getting that two year gap he had talked about

Even while hallucinating, this man still takes the time to play with his infant son. What a good father he is. Much respect, nice work friend!

"I want the burger with ketchup and three slices of bacaon" - that's the closest I'm ever coming to Barkley Barathons :D

Never thought I'd see a group of ultra marathoners cheering on a guy lighting a cig, this race really is something

They are absolutely insane. Also, how do I get the impression that founder always stands there at the gate for 60 hours straight?

What a truly inspirational story. At 1:06:14 after the dude said "No one was prepared for what happened next." I thought I was bout to get trolled and Gary was going to come around that bend in the minivan.

I had the great pleasure of working and playing with one of the finishers of the Barkley, Jim Nelson. Jim tragically passed away in 2014 while on a solo hike in Colorado; he had dialed back his ambitions to include the more “mundane” pursuit of scaling 14,000 ft peaks. Jim worked 40 hrs a week as an engineer, raised his birth children as well as two adopted kids, and committed his other time and energies to, as he would say, “playing with my friends”. This play included everything from lunchtime cyclocross during the work week, 13 straight years of 24 Hrs of Moab, Badwater, Nolan’s, Hardrock, Wasatch, Boston, Iditasport, Denali summit, to putting on slide shows for the local scout pack. Amazingly, no single event defined him; they were complimentary in his mind and although all received serious preparation, none consumed him beyond the moments it took to look for the next challenge he could conjure up. I applaud Gary and his story. It has caused me after several years to really see my friend Jim’s accomplishments in life and honor his memory. Made me smile.

That guy Jared.... I mean, Gary is hyper prepared, one of the best running-records, top shape and preparation... still the increasing toll that the race takes on him is very visible. Jared on the other hand, just looks on top of everything. Calm, stoic, the man is a beast.

Who else is watching this when they can barely run 5 miles nonstop.

It's interesting to me that Gary is giving so many detailed directions to his crew during the race. I'd want it set up so that I had to make as few decisions as possible.

That is the single most epic portrait of obsession I’ve ever seen. I’m completely dumbfounded.

wow I am just in awe. I almost finished my pizza tonight but I couldn't finish the crusts. I'll be back next year.

26:53 that thousand yard stare from John says it all.

Doesn't matter Gary didn't make it, I couldn't take my eyes of the screen, fantastic documentary showing the true emotions in ultra running, how it peels you until you feel but naked with your emotions, my hat off for Gary and the film director, thank you for such an inspiring hour of true life experience. I had tears in my eyes at the end, cause this is real deal and what makes ultra running so addicting, doesn't matter if you win or not, but can leave you somehow so empty when it's over. Sorry if I don't find the right words

It's like reading "The Old Man and the Sea". It leaves you feeling satisfied and empty at the same time.

The love of his wife seems incredibly powerful. It must make a big difference for him. What's sad about all this, is that he really deserved to win, and her wife deserved to see him win.

1:03:52 The “what can go wrong” made me shiver with those being the last words of that scene and instantly cutting to the next. Amazing film.

Gary just announced on social media that he is dropping out of the 2021 Barkley and apparently future Barkley races. He is a hell of a good man and I wish him all the best.

Jared Campbell has to be one of the nicest guys alive...Oh yeah and probably one of the greatest ultra runners of all time.

John Kelly after lap 4 in 2016 seemed barely aware. Serious suffering. Only to be topped by Gary after lap 5 in 2017. Laz always wins.

I was convinced he'd do it. Genuinely feel absolutely gutted for him. Putting that much effort, training and dedication into something is literally mind boggling. He's a warrior. Shame the weather messed everyone up on third run.

every year 100s of people compete to make a documentary about the barkley marathons, only one has completed it and uploaded it to youtube.

I like how the guy calling the shots is smoking cigs the whole time lol....

Awesome documentary man...One of my favorite lines of the whole film was this guy was clean shaven when he left LOL!!!!!!

Gary's wife telling him the result of the Oiler's game cracked me up! True Canadians lol

My dad has helped out some of the runners he came across while hunting over the years. My dad was shocked that people from all over the world come there to race and he couldn’t believe that only a few people finished. He’s walked those mountains since he was a boy. He’s now 70 and the other night one of his coon dog took off after a wild hog. My dad walked about 12 miles getting that dog up and down those mountains.

Ok i cried a couple times. This is not just about running this is 100% dedication. For me Gary is a role model. Thank you Ethan - Greetings from a little german running RU-vidr.

Always hated running. After watching this captivating story and see these superhumans doing impossible feets, I am for sure i will hate running a bit more now

Watched the whole thing.... I was crushed when I googled the results of the Barkley Marathons for 2018 - present. He never did finish it. Absolutely gutted

Imagine the heights we could all achieve if each of us had this kind of support. Garys' team, and especially Garys' wife are such an amazing group. Respect to Gary, and massive massive respect to John Kelly. Insane.

I wanted to cry when I found out he didn't make it.

His ability to be kind and polite through all the suffering and madness... amazing super human. Rewatching with no skip on the ads. You deserve it! Thanks for the gorgeous documentary!

After watching this probably for the 100th time I just realized that there is a blind person participating.......I think I need to go an contemplate life....

I watch this every time I have a really bad week or month and I just can’t thank everyone involved enough. You have NO idea how much this inspires me and really keeps me going.

53:29 she's SUCH a sweetheart! "His snoring really loudly which warms my heart so much"

A thumbs up is insufficient for the way I feel about this picture. Extraordinary work.

Love Gary's attitude. Great example of being Canadian.

I know it's not much of a consulation, but there comes a time when you simply need to sit back and consider not what you _could_ have accomplished, but what you _have_ accomplished. I came across a story on CNN yesterday about the three 2023 winners. It fascinated me enough that I sat through one of the documentaries here on RU-vid twice (the second viewing with a friend), this film, and several articles. I realize that one of the reasons I find something like the Barkley Marathon so fascinatingis because it's an experience I _know_ I'll never have for myself. I'm perfectly happy with that. What really stuck with me the most was that many of the participants set individual goals for themselves, whether it be going further than a previous year, breaking a record, or simply pushing yourself to understand your absolute limits. In the end, it really is a fight against yourself. Another amazing facet of this event is the dedication of those there to support and cheer on the runners. I don't know that there are too many spouses out there with a toddler that would so willingly consent to take on the responsibilities therein for multiple years. A lot of people would dismiss their role in the race as minimal compared to the contestants, but to be the "pit crew" that helps to maximize the runners' stamina through force-feeding, tending to their considerable wounds, and generally keeping them on the right track to accomplish the goals when their own bodies are insisting they cannot is a tall enough order. Add to that a constant suspense that their loved one might be hurt or lost or has them worrying about the tolls - both physically _and_ mentally - that the Barkley takes on those brave enough to attempt it. The work of the supportive spouse or partner doesn't end at that yellow gate. In many ways, that's when their work _really_ begins. Every person that's attempted this event holds a great amount of my respect. It's hard not to feel like an _underacheiver_ watching it. Yet there will always be those who for whatever reason fail to live up to their own expectations. Perhaps they only complete one lap, the entire "fun run," or maybe they collapse six seconds late. For something as lighthearted and good-humored as this event - and for something that was initially considered impossible - that anyone should go home feeling disappointed in themselves is absurd at best. And at its absolute worst, dangerous.

I know this is a hot take, but hear me out. The way that Gary DNF’d this race in 2017 brings the same feeling of when Brian Morrison collapsed on the track at Western States. Most people (including the aforementioned runners) may view these as heartbreaking losses and I totally understand that. However, the way these two men bared their soul, will, and being in their “failure” is more inspiring to me than any “accomplishment” ever can be. The absolute effort and determination and unrelenting pursuit for their dreams, especially in defeat, is so damn invigorating. I understand a lot of folks may not get what I am trying to convey, but their vigor and inescapable passion infects me with a level of aspiration that is so rare. You do nothing but hold your head high men! The valor and fortitude shown in your “shortcomings” is greater and more inspiring to me than any achievement could be. Nothing but respect and appreciation. Great job to Ethan for bringing these absolute “larger than life” stories to palpable fruition!

This is a piece of art, thank you Ethan. Not only regarding what happened to Gary, the story, the race etc but also the supporting crew, Linda, the little moments like when Kim takes the baby from the arms of Linda so that she can manage the situation... And then the editing. Making a movie so dramatically good with basically no footage from the race at all, it's incredible ! Narrative genius here ! All the titles, all the transitions are great, as usual. Congrats.

Absolutely mad respect to these champions all of them. What makes it even more special is they remember humility even more despite going the extra miles and far beyond what a body can endure.

Wow, so powerful. Thank you for sharing this. Was in tears at the end. Well done to all the runners out there. 😘

Best running movie I've ever seen

Right now I am training for an Ironman, my first one. Today was an especially hard day. One of my 'block workouts'~ I wasn't able to finish it. I was sitting on the side of the road feeling sorry for myself, asking if all the effort and pain is going to be worth it. This story, after seeing it, reminded me of the why, why I am doing this and why I need to achieve my goals. Your strength got to me today... Thank you for reminding me what I need to do.

Most inspiring stuff I've watched this year. Nearly just Nearly had me in tears there on his last loop with his emotions coming out

Never thought watching a ginger get his soul back would be so enticing

When he started crying I completely lost it. I never cry for...well, anything.

Are u kidding me. This is my second time having the pleasure of watching this truly life altering, inspirational, absolute quintessential work of art. Forget the garbage RU-vid videos that go viral. This is truly the BEST doc video there is on RU-vid. Gary, you are an absolute inspiration and game changer for me and everyone who has the pleasure of seeing this film. Thank you Ethan for crafting a truly remarkable video about a remarkable man running a remarkable race!!! ROCK ON 🏃

So much respect for all the contestants and the support staff. And thank you for people who made the film. Truely inspiring.

Such a good film! Wonderfully filmed and edited. And endless respect for everybody running the Barkley Marathons!!

Amazing documentary. My favorite part is how you managed to capture the absolute love between Gary and Linda as well as the behind the scenes action. It takes a village to become a Barkley finisher (and a lot of force fed bananas 😂).

Just amazing. Gary’s athleticism, his wife’s support, the cinematography, all of it was just so perfect. One of the best documentaries of this type I’ve ever seen. This deserves serious recognition, it was a masterpiece.

Thank you so much for Posting this Film.........And that Man is a Champion...Truly is!

While I understand Gary's pain, he also has to understand that people sympathize with failing heroes for the courage and love they show. This documentary is awesome and I find Gary's grit absolutely inspiring.

one of the best movies i've ever seen

I watched this last night with my sister, who is not a runner, and she asked, when the runners approach the final loop, "are they competing with each other?". I explained that with running, and I suspect especially with ultra running (I'm NOT an ultra runner - - yet) it's not really about winning, but helping each other cross the finish line. But of course, on that fifth loop, they can't. Amazing work, Ethan and Gary. You never know who you are inspiring. P.S. Gary and Linda's relationship is SO heartwarming. And John Kelly is such a boss.

I’ve watched this a half dozen times or so, maybe more. It still never loses my attention. And the ending was the stuff legends are made of. Can’t imagine what it would be like if you did another one on him trying to finish. Great work.

This was such an amazing feature, and truely awe inspiring! Great work!

That effect at 8:08 when the guy walk across the screen is dope. Hell, everything about this documentary is awesome. I've watched it five times and I'm sure I'll watch it five more. It's just as good as the other barkely documentary, if not better.

I never comment on RU-vid videos. Until now. I'm new to running or even exercise and I am finding a lot of inspiration in The Ginger Runner videos but THIS video is on a totally different level than almost anything I have watched on this platform. There is SO MUCH being delivered in this video from the race itself to the runners to the outcomes. I've watched this numerous times now and each time I find myself on the edge of my seat. Excellent job in delivering this Ethan and Gary, I have no words for the gumption that you display in these videos!

I've watched this doc multiple times and come away inspired each time. Thanks for making yourself vulnerable and sharing this experience with us.

Amazing, horrifying, and uplifting documentary. Thank you to everyone involved.

Amazing work, the creator and the subject both inspire me!

I bought the digital copy a couple months back. I watched it with my mom (who is not a runner or interesting in running) and she actually got hooked on the plot of this entire barkley event. Just well done all around, music, quality, creating emotion, editing...everything...So good.

His wife is as inspiring as him. Everything a spouse should be.

Wow! Tears rolling down. Great movie and such an effort! Run Gary run!

I can’t wait for April when I see an article and video posted about Gary Robins completing the 2019 Barkley marathon. His determination is unmatched.

I was very fortunate to follow Canadian ultrarunner, Gary Robbins, during his two attempts at completing The Barkley Marathons - a 100+ mile event many consider the toughest endurance run on Earth. Spanning more than 2 years, this journey is emotional, powerful and truly inspirational. Find out what it takes to attempt the impossible and the demons that follow. Follow our intimate look at why The Barkley is where dreams go to die. NOTE: If you enjoyed this movie and would like to support its creators, please consider a "Super Thanks" by clicking the button above or by purchasing the Bonus Feature Commentary movie here: gingerrunnerstore.com

Brother... the tenacity and determination to push this hard for this long is incredible. Congratulations on your rare accomplishment 🙌💪🥇

That was an incredible film about some incredible people. I thoroughly enjoyed that!

Garry Robbins in my hero!! Apart from superhuman skills he has, I love the way he oozes our perseverance, humility and childlike innocence. Great role model !! Great story telling, Ethan!! This is next level fiilmogrpahy !!

this is one of the most epic running epicness films that I've ever watched.

this was always in my recommended, glad i finally watched it. Kudos to everyone who tackles this monstrous challenge

Incredible film. Thank you so much for making it available for everyone to enjoy.

A great story, well told. Thanks for uploading this and making it available to us all

I knew the outcome and was still on the edge of my seat. You seriously did an amazing job on this. Congrats to you and your crew.

It felt like I was there waiting for the runners to arrive too lols. Awesomely exciting storyline and film! Shoutout to his very supportive family and friends! My salute to you, sir Gary Robbins!

This is one of the best documentaries and stories I’ve seen on RU-vid. Incredibly well made and really inspiring

This is one of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen. Thank you for sharing it with us.

wow. thank you so much for uploading it on here!

Watching... Years later... Again... Still an inspirational movie centerd on a great location with great people staring in it. Love the Ginger!

Oh my gosh! I’m crying! I cannot believe how intense this was.