
In the Spell of the Barkley
Unravelling the Mystery of the World's Toughest Ultramarathon
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Narrated by:
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Rupert Holliday-Evans
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.
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- By michele and david on 01-03-25
By: Phil Jaekl
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My Year of Running Dangerously
- By: Tom Foreman
- Narrated by: Tom Foreman
- Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins
- Unabridged
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As a journalist whose career spans three decades, CNN correspondent Tom Foreman has reported from the heart of war zones, riots, and natural disasters. He has interviewed serial killers and been in the line of fire. But the most terrifying moment of his life didn't occur on the job - it occurred at home, when his 18-year-old daughter asked, "How would you feel about running a marathon with me?"
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ESPECIALLY Good for Those of Us Who Don't Run!
- By Gillian on 04-12-16
By: Tom Foreman
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Hammerhead Six
- How Green Berets Waged an Unconventional War Against the Taliban to Win in Afghanistan's Deadly Pech Valley
- By: Ronald Fry, Tad Tuleja - contributor
- Narrated by: Ronald Fry
- Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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In 2003, the Special Forces soldiers entered an area later called "the most dangerous place in Afghanistan". Here, where the line between civilians and armed zealots was indistinct, they illustrated the Afghan proverb "I destroy my enemy by making him my friend." Fry recounts how they were seen as welcome guests rather than invaders. Soon after their deployment ended, the Pech Valley reverted to turmoil. Their success was never replicated.
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A compelling read from start to finish
- By Gregory on 03-05-16
By: Ronald Fry, and others
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The Other Talent
- The Curiously Complex Role of Mental Health in Athletic Greatness and Why It's Never Too Late to Harness Your Potential
- By: Matt Fitzgerald
- Narrated by: Gregory Abbey
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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On the playing field, natural talent isn’t enough—there’s a mental component that determines whether athletes win the race or wipe out before the finish line. But what separates standout sports stars from the rest? In a paradigm-shifting new theory, acclaimed sportswriter Matt Fitzgerald identifies two key traits behind athletic success: strict self-regulation over thoughts and emotions and an unquenchable psychological need to pursue victory—even when it means enduring extreme mental and physical suffering.
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Excellent
- By CC Coach Mike on 12-18-24
By: Matt Fitzgerald
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Above the Clouds
- How I Carved My Own Path to the Top of the World
- By: Kilian Jornet
- Narrated by: Steven Brand
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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The most accomplished mountain runner of all time contemplates his record-breaking climbs of Mount Everest in this profound memoir - an intellectual and spiritual journey that moves from the earth’s highest peak to the soul’s deepest reaches.
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A bit too much psychobabble
- By Amazon Customer on 10-09-20
By: Kilian Jornet
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Run Elite
- Train and Think Like the Greatest Runners of All Time
- By: Andrew Snow
- Narrated by: Andrew Snow
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
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Discover the blueprint used by Olympic gold medalists and world record holders to achieve their best performances. Andrew Snow, a powerhouse in the running community with over 27 years of experience offers his highly acclaimed, results-proven triphasic model that runners have used to set lifetime PRs from the 5K to the marathon in as little as three months—even in their 40s and 50s!
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Run like an elite
- By Jessica on 07-25-24
By: Andrew Snow
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Into the Furnace
- How a 135 Mile Run Across Death Valley Set My Soul on Fire
- By: Cory Reese, Luke Thoreson
- Narrated by: Cory Reese
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Into The Furnace explores the inner workings of bravery, hope, and passion. These themes are framed against the backdrop of the Badwater Ultramarathon - a 135-mile race across the hottest place on the planet, Death Valley. Cory Reese has walked into the furnace. He has faced adversity, both in running and in life. His book captures the essence of what it means to suffer, what it means to persevere, and ultimately, what it means to create a life of clarity and purpose.
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Great writing, atrocious narration
- By Matthew Dunlap on 10-13-20
By: Cory Reese, and others
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Ultramarathon Man (Revised)
- Confession of an All-Night Runner
- By: Dean Karnazes
- Narrated by: Michael Braun
- Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
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Ultramarathon Man helped introduce the world to ultramarathoning. Now, after three decades of running ultramarathons across the globe, Dean Karnazes is still going strong. This updated and revised edition includes an afterword full of the lessons he’s picked up along the way. He gives personal details on the essential pillars of health—fitness, diet, and sleep. What does he eat, what supplements does he take, and what kind of mattress does he sleep on? Aging well takes work, and the man who hasn’t stopped is sharing the tips and learnings that have kept him going.
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The motivation
- By Hannah on 03-14-24
By: Dean Karnazes
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The Iceman Speaks
- Wim Hof on His Method and His Mission
- By: Wim Hof
- Narrated by: Wim Hof
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Original Recording
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He’s shattered world records. He’s climbed the highest and coldest mountains wearing nothing but shorts. Most of all, he’s shown us that these feats are not superhuman - but that each of us has the ability to be healthier, stronger, and happier than we’ve ever imagined. Now you’re invited to hear Wim Hof tell the story of his incredible journey in his own words with The Iceman Speaks.
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Although repetitive, I love Wim Hof's message!
- By OK Reviewer on 02-07-21
By: Wim Hof
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A Runner’s High
- My Life in Motion
- By: Dean Karnazes
- Narrated by: Andrew Eiden
- Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
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New York Times best-selling author and ultramarathoning legend Dean Karnazes has pushed his body and mind to inconceivable limits, from running in the shoe-melting heat of Death Valley to the lung-freezing cold of the South Pole. He’s raced and competed across the globe and once ran 50 marathons, in 50 states, in 50 consecutive days.
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Skip the Audible Version- Trust Me
- By Nathan on 05-01-21
By: Dean Karnazes
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Life Is a Marathon
- A Memoir of Love and Endurance
- By: Matt Fitzgerald
- Narrated by: Jamie Renell
- Length: 9 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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An endurance athlete and coach reveals how the marathon transforms the lives of everyone who attempts it - and how it has helped his own family cope with serious adversity.
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Not my favorite running book
- By riogirl1992 on 03-05-22
By: Matt Fitzgerald
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Eat and Run
- My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness
- By: Scott Jurek, Steve Friedman
- Narrated by: Scott Jurek
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
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In Eat and Run, Scott Jurek opens up about his life and career - as an elite athlete and a vegan - and inspires runners at every level. From his Midwestern childhood hunting, fishing, and cooking for his meat-and-potatoes family, to his early beginnings in running (he hated it), to his slow transition to ultrarunning and veganism, to his world-spanning, record-breaking races, Scott's story shows the power of an iron will and blows apart all the stereotypes of what athletes should eat to fuel optimal performance.
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Compelling story behind Jurek
- By Javier Chavez on 06-16-20
By: Scott Jurek, and others
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Running is My Therapy
- Relieve Stress and Anxiety, Fight Depression, Ditch Bad Habits, and Live Happier
- By: Scott Douglas, Alison Mariella Désir
- Narrated by: Stephen R. Thorne
- Length: 6 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
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There's no other book like this. Longtime running writer Scott Douglas marshals expert advice (including his own, cultivated from more than 100,000 miles of personal experience), and a growing body of scientific research to show how running can make us happier. How? Everyone knows that running builds stronger muscles and a healthier heart; science now shows it also helps develop a healthier brain. For those struggling with depression and anxiety, a consistent running routine can enhance the mental-health benefits of talk therapy, antidepressants, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
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Extremely therapeutic!
- By Gabriele George on 08-09-18
By: Scott Douglas, and others
What listeners say about In the Spell of the Barkley
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- JD
- 04-19-23
Inspiring!
Great book about the Barkley. The dedication and will to complete the race is unmatched. Very inspirational. Must listen!
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- Tobe Sheldon
- 05-10-23
Great storytelling!
The Barkley Ultramarathon is a unique enigma, one that most of us can only aspire to understand. This splendidly crafted memoir provides a tantalizing glimpse into this world. The compelling narrative brims with heart, resilience, and humor. This book is not just a tale about the world's hardest ultramarathon, but also an exploration of the spell that the Barkley casts on those who can't help but enter the race that eats its young.
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- K
- 04-01-24
Interesting and entertaining
I enjoyed the accounts of the Berkley. As a long distance runner, the challenge of a run is always within oneself. Whether it is a personal PR or just to finish when everything feels off. I am inspired to listen to the challenges, the hope, determination, success and of the defeat involved with the Berkley. I have a true sense of appreciation, respect and honor for all the participants who have engaged in the Berkley. Thank you for sharing your stories and may they serve to help others who attempt such a difficult pursuit.
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- Ben Shuck
- 04-14-24
Very well told story
I enjoyed the pace and variance of the story and how the perspective evolved and changed along the tale.
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- L. Worley
- 06-01-24
What a story
Riveting, honest, and excellently narrated. I highly recommend this book to any who happen to be caught in the grasp of the running fates.
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- MKC
- 05-23-24
Thanks for telling these stories.
Loved listening to this. MiG does a great job of telling some Barkley stories that have never been told.
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- Anonymous User
- 07-23-23
Excellent
I’m a fan of the Barkley and was excited to find this book. Listened to the entire book in less then 24 hours..Does that qualify as Ultra Listening?? I’m cheesy.. Really enjoyed and shared with a few friends that enjoy the ultra community as well.
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- Anonymous User
- 11-16-23
Amazing
Awesome Book - this book delivers an incredible story of 1 of the most intense ultra marathons in the world- I was hooked on every word
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- I. Zuniga
- 04-10-24
Loved most of this book
I really love this book, but I was coming to the end of it, it really bothered me that he mentioned that ultrarunning was now attractive to the “average housewife’. Being a month of two boys with a full-time job and a run I can assure you that there is nothing ever in a housewife that takes up running for fun. Specially, not ultrarunning. Arthur is a single man with no children that can plan his day around training. Try doing that while taking care of your memories and keeping a job and the household.
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- Lindsey Loftus
- 01-09-24
Outstanding… on so many levels
I’m on my third listen. For anyone who is training for an ultra, there are so many valuable lessons. This book is simply outstanding. While the book is about preparing for the Barkley Marathons, there are incredible take-away’s for mental training, physical training, and emotional training. Well done!
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