In the Spell of the Barkley

Name: In the Spell of the Barkley
Brand: Allen & Unwin
SKU: 9781399405423
Price: 36.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

Unravelling the Mystery of the World's Toughest Ultramarathon

By Michiel Panhuysen

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4.6

( 15 ratings, 3 reviews)

Summary

In the Spell of the Barkley chronicles the extraordinary Barkley Marathons, an ultra race steeped in myth and challenge. Organised by the enigmatic Lazarus Lake, this brutal race demands competitors traverse mountains, endure harsh weather, and surpass unimaginable exhaustion. Journalist and ultrarunner Michiel Panhuysen shares his multiple attempts to conquer this fiendish event, revealing what drives the human spirit to test its limits.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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In the Spell of the Barkley

$36⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers fascinated by extreme sports, endurance challenges, and the psychology of obsession and perseverance in athletics.

One man's account of the near-mythical ultra event that is the Barkley Marathons

Description

A wonderful, compelling read
Vassos Alexander, radio presenter and ultrarunner

Welcome to the Barkley Marathons, a fever dream of an ultra event, inspired by a prison break, heralded by a conch blast, paid for in cigarettes and socks, and completed only by a select few. A race in which competitors haul themselves up mountains, through extreme weather conditions, beyond pain and exhaustion, mile after mile. Completed 60 miles? That’s just the fun run.

Journalist and ultrarunner Michiel Panhuysen is a multiple-time Barkley entrant, having fallen under the spell of this most enigmatic of races – and its presiding philosopher-genius organiser Lazarus Lake – in the early 2010s. On each occasion, the Barkley won. The Barkley nearly always wins.

In the Spell of the Barkley is a story of sporting obsession, exploring what drives individuals to challenge themselves at the limits of what is possible – and what it takes to succeed.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A compelling account of one of the world's most enigmatic races, captured by an author fully in thrall – Michael Crawley, author of Out of Thin Air. The engrossing story of his fascination and multiple attempts to complete the world's toughest ultramarathon – highly recommended by Frozen Ed Furtaw, the first Barkley finisher. Praise also from Vassos Alexander calling it a 'wonderful, compelling read,' with USA Today describing it as a fascinating insight into extreme sport. Library Journal notes it appeals to fans of extreme sports and those interested in the psychology behind physical and mental endurance.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399405423

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 April 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Sport

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 272g

Pages: 208

Collections

Biography & Memoir Michiel Panhuysen Non-Fiction Running & Athletics Sports

About the Author

Michiel Panhuysen is a journalist, ultrarunner, and the author of two acclaimed books in Dutch: De wietindustrie (co-authored with Nicole Maalsté), about the Dutch cannabis industry, and In de ban van de Barkley (In the Spell of the Barkley). He is a veteran of long-distance endurance events, none of which could adequately prepare him for the Barkley.