In the Spell of the Barkley cover art

In the Spell of the Barkley

Unravelling the Mystery of the World's Toughest Ultramarathon

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In the Spell of the Barkley

By: Michiel Panhuysen
Narrated by: Rupert Holliday-Evans
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About this listen

Bloomsbury presents In the Spell of the Barkley by Michiel Panhuysen, read by Rupert Holliday-Evans.

'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 organizer 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.

©2023 Michiel Panhuysen (P)2023 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Extreme Sports Running & Jogging Sports Outdoor Sports Running Biography

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All stars
Most relevant  
Interesting insight into the Barkley Marathons- great narration too. If you’re interested in stories of ultra-running as well as the history and quirks of the Barkley, you’ll throughly enjoy this book

Great story well told!

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I am likewise fascinated with The Barkley. This was a fantastic insight into the race and the author's experience. Enjoyed it over a couple of long runs and made me grit them out!

Brilliant Insight

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I really enjoyed this book and listened to most of it on my long trail marathon today. I only started it yesterday. Very well narrated and engaging. Best book I’ve listened to this year. A must for any long distance running fanatics.

Great Story Telling

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Great story with great narration - captures the Barkley perfectly. Listened to a number of ultra running books and this was one of the most enjoyable

Great narration

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Enjoyed the narration and the story, and how it links to different people’s journeys. Would listen again

Magical ultra story

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Wonderful immersive journey into the heart of the Barkley and its rich panoply of characters

Compulsive read!!

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I listened to this book over a few treadmill runs and really enjoyed it. I love the stories and the almost mythology that surrounds the Barkley Marathons. It was also great listening to some insight from some who has been "out there" a number of times. I also enjoyed the other aspects of the story relating to ultrarunning in general. All in all, it's worth the listen.

Great running inspiration

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Well written and narrated. A fascinating insight into the Berkeley Marathon. Proof that clinical insanity loves flogging itself.

Excellent Listen

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This is without doubt an absolute work of art. You are entranced and captivated from start to finish. A phenomenal story and journey.

Mesmeric

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I liked it all,aside from the narrator doing "voices" of people. The narration didn't need that. otherwise I loved it

How fascinating

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