Both the Barkley Marathons and the IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra are extreme endurance events that push participants to their limits. The Barkley Marathons is a competitive race with a notorious reputation for its harsh conditions and minimal support, inspired by a prison escape. It covers approximately 120 miles with 63,000 feet of elevation gain and must be completed within 60 hours.

The IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra, on the other hand, is an endurance event designed for maximum elevation gain, spanning 152 miles with 72,590 feet of elevation gain over 84 hours. Named after the highest summit in the solar system on Mars, it’s the most extreme elevation profile of any ultra-event. Participants must complete laps up and down the mountain.

Both events attract the most determined and resilient trail and mountain athletes and each offers a unique set of challenges and experiences.

• Race vs. Endurance Event: The Barkley Marathons is a competitive race with a strict time limit and specific requirements, while the IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra is an endurance event focused on completing the distance and elevation gain.
• Distance and Elevation: The IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra covers a longer distance and has a higher elevation gain than the Barkley Marathons.
• Duration: Both events have a time limit, but the IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra lasts 84 hours, 24 hours longer than the Barkley Marathons.
• Course: The Barkley Marathons is known for its unmarked, unpredictable course, while the IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra involves repeated laps up and down a mountain.
• Support: The Barkley Marathons provides minimal support with no aid stations, requiring participants to be self-sufficient. In contrast, the IronHike Olympus Mons Ultra offers active medical patrols, food and snacks, and recovery tents for participants.