This episode features an interview with Gary Cantrell. Gary is a long time runner and long time race director. Some of his races include the The Strolling Jim, The Last Annual Vol State Race, and the Barkley Marathon.
The Strolling Jim is a 40 mile race on asphalt that starts and ends in War Trace Tennessee. The race just celebrated 30 years.
The Last Annual Vol State Race is a race across the state of Tennessee-the long way. Our very first podcast interview was with Rita Barnes, who was the first female to complete the Vol State Race unsupported. In the Vol State Race, runners can either run supported, with a crew, or run all by themselves, unsupported. A relay team can also run the Vol State Run.
The Barkley Marathon has legendary status in the ultra world. Some aren't even sure it exists. Most don't know how to enter it. Gary says himself, in the interview, if you are resourceful enough to run the Barkley, you'll figure out how to enter the Barkley. There is a 60 hour cut off for the 100 mile run.The idea for the course came from escaped convict James Earl Ray. The course was designed by Gary Cantrell. His idea for the race was inspired upon hearing about Martin Luther King, Jr's assassin escaping from prison, and making it only 8 miles after running 55 hours in the woods. Cantrell said to himself "I could do at least 100 miles." Thus, the Barkley Marathon was born. With 54,200 feet of accumulated vertical climb (and descent) the 100 Mile Run is considered to be one of the more challenging ultramarathons held in the United States, if not the world. Some say it is the toughest trail race in the world. Some say it's not a race. Some say these are not trails. So kick back and listen to a great interview with Gary. You'll even found out where the Laz name came from!!
We asked Gary for a picture. He wanted one, with hair. And his wife was able to come up with one and sent it to us! So here he is, Gary Cantrell, 1984.
Thanks for a great interview, Gary!
Thanks for listening to our podcast!
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