Touch the Gate

“The 2023 Barkley Marathons”

The Barkley Marathons are a race unlike any other. With over 100 miles of wild terrain, and twice the elevation of climbing and descending Mt. Everest from sea level, it's a race that expects runners to fail. In 38 years, only 15 runners have completed the Barkley Marathons, but that doesn't stop hundreds of athletes from applying for entry every year. This film documents Joe McConaughy's first attempt at one of the most challenging races in the world.