The Endurance Artist: Lazarus Lake, the Barkley & a Race with No End

by Jared Beasley

A rare look into an enigmatic accountant from Tennessee’s backwoods who morphs into Lazarus Lake, the world’s most notorious race maker.

The Endurance Artist is an all-access pass to the world’s most extreme races and the mastermind behind them, where we witness firsthand the gears, the machinations, the egos, the surprising humanity.

The most grueling and ingenious races in the world are the creation of Gary Cantrell, better known by the nom de guerre Lazarus Lake. He has been described as a “hillbilly genius” and the “Leonardo di Vinci of pain.” His Barkley Marathons is known as the most difficult ultramarathon ever devised, a fight club in the wilderness run in secret. With books hidden in the woods, condolence letters, a cigarette-start, and elevation gain that amounts to summiting Mount Everest twice, it defies convention. Big’s Backyard Ultra pushes human beings to their absolute limit on a four-mile loop that is run every hour, starting on the hour until there is just one runner standing—most recently, a high school teacher who ran 450 miles without sleep.

Author Jared Beasley ferrets his way into the world of a recluse hell-bent on rewriting the rules to reveal a life reimagined and failure reinvented. Laz calls into question our obsession with winning and fairness, success and failure, and whether these ideas handicap potential.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Audiobook, Biography

Kindle Edition

Published September 16, 2025

About the author

Jared Beasley is a New York based author and journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, Canadian Running, and Outside. Two of his articles were recognized among Runner’s World’s top ten stories of 2020, and he has been featured on podcasts such as Ultrarunner, Author’s Stories, Bad Boy Running, and The Shakeout Podcast. He writes a monthly column, “Detours of the Lost and Found,” for Ultrarunning Magazine.

His debut book, In Search of Al Howie, earned rave reviews and a Kirkus star for literary merit. Adventure Journal described it as a moving biography that recalls an unplugged era of human-powered adventure. Beasley has since contributed over 50 ultrarunning features to major media outlets.

Reviews

[Catherine Daigle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve listened to many podcasts, watched documentaries, read articles, all trying to learn more about Lazarus Lake and his projects but still felt like everything was vague or curated in a way that was gatekeeping what the man and the events are all about. This book finally gave me what I wanted. The writing and storytelling are excellent and I couldn’t put it down.

[Lex Meszaros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for type 2 fun connoisseurs. The author shares an appreciation for the beauty in a sufferfest and deeply personal nonconventional achievement.

Favorite quotes:

- “Failure would be guaranteed, and success would be relative, defined only on personal terms”

- “It doesn’t always have to be fun to be fun”

- “He looked over at his wife wanting a hug but didn’t get one. Well, she said, matter of fact. Are you gonna get your act together? ……. When he returned he had more than a fun run, he had a realization: he was around the right kind of people, and he’d married the right kind of person”

[Kathrin Passig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ich habe ein anderes Buch, das ich auch sehr mochte, mittendrin unterbrochen, um das hier sofort zu lesen. Es fing sehr gut an, fast wie von John McPhee (das wäre ein Traum, ein Buch von McPhee über die Barkley Marathons), wird dann aber bald zu einer Heldenverehrungsgeschichte im üblichen "der untersetzte 45-Jährige kraulte sich nachdenklich den Schnauzbart"-Stil. Aber viele interessante Details.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t anticipate how wildly emotional I’d be reading this book.

I ran my first 100 on Laz’s property at Little Dog Backyard (a last runner standing race) where I met the author when he met Laz for the first time. Laz was hanging up flags is the start/finish chute and I was holding the flag box so Laz didn’t have to bend over as far to grab each flag. Beasley gave Laz a cold Dr. Pepper…I guess my hands were tied up with the box or else I’m sure I’d have been offered one as well 😂

Two weeks ago I DNF’d Laz’s Barkley Fall Classic - my only DNF at a race with less than a 5% finish rate. It’s gift to fail and have a goal for next year.

I’m beyond thankful for the way Laz’s influence has shaped my athletic life. It feels like the end of Laz will be the end of old school ultra running…when ultra runners were hard to come by and races were lightly organized rugged things. I entered the ultra running world at the tail end of one era and the jump into a new era.

[Chris van Dijk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always love learning anything about Barkley, but this was so interesting to learn Laz’s story for the first time. Great read and account of the ultra world’s most interesting race director.

[Tal Taran · Rating 3 out of 5]

A deep-dive on Laz is a subject that everyone wants more of. Yet the approach was pretty frustrating.

The majority of this book is a highlights reel of Barkley and Backyard events—covering content most people interested in Laz would already be aware of. It's also written in a way that shows only a surface level understanding of many of these events. On the plus side, there is some content about Laz's childhood.

Things I would have tolerated:
Cryptic writing and purposefully misleading information.

Things I won't tolerate:
A lack of respect for the artist, the philosophy, and the reasons why you'd do any of this.

By inference, most other Barkley books actually tell you a lot more about Laz.

[Raelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

”Most people think fair is what’s best for them. The purpose of a challenge is to find differences. If you don’t fail, how will you know how far you can go?”

I first found out about the Barkley Marathons randomly on social media, and immediately was locked in to Keith Dunn’s Twitter updates. Over the years I’ve watched every documentary I could find & read the few books that exist just wanting to find out more about this fascinating race. I don’t even like to run, and but I fell into the rabbit hole and am still happily in it.

Everything I know about Laz has been from the Barkley research I’ve done. And while some things have gone a bit deeper into him, aside from knowing *of* Big’s Backyard Ultra, I feel like I knew very little. Going into this, I thought that I would have wanted it to be predominantly about the Barkley. After finishing this, I’m glad that it wasn’t. Obviously I will greedily take all of the Barkley information I can get, but while I’m sure there’s basically no way to learn everything about it, I do feel like I have a good grasp on a lot of its quirks / details / veterans (and their stories) so I really appreciated that I now also know so much more about Laz and also Big’s. His other races to an extent as well, although this focused a lot on Big’s. Also - Big! Did I expect to cry reading this book? No. But here we are.

I want to go back to learning more about Laz. There’s a quote from his daughter, Chrys, where she says “It’s entertaining to hear that they think he’s a mad-man. There’s my dad and there’s Lazarus Lake. That’s a different person.” What I knew coming into this was about Laz. And I love that I now also know about Gary. His life has been so interesting, and I think Jared Beasley did a really great job telling his story.

I do feel like at times this jumped around more than I personally would prefer. That could just be my impatience to learn about a certain topic though, and totally something that’s just a personal opinion. The only other thing I really thought of noting is that I feel like you have to have at least a basic knowledge of the Barkley to understand that section. I feel like as it’s gotten a little more well known and more media coverage in recent years that this could be picked up by people wanting to learn about it, and they could be a bit confused if they go into this knowing nothing other than that it’s a race in Tennessee. However, that might just be because the Barkley is such a collection of quirks (like blowing a conch shell as a one hour warning - that detail is in here, but I feel like it would seem SO random to someone who doesn’t understand where a conch shell comes in with this race). That being said, as someone who didn’t know much about Big’s Backyard Ultra, that felt more straightforward to me.

This has gotten longer than I anticipated but that’s probably not a surprise considering I can (and have) ramble about the Barkley Marathons for hours to anyone who will listen to me, so of course I’m going to ramble about a book involving them. But I love that this has just given me even more to tell people about. I can start with telling people about the race, then my 2nd hour can lead into some backstory. Love that, but I probably should wrap this up soon.

At the time of finishing this book and writing this review, the 2025 Big’s Backyard Ultra starts in exactly one month. I look forward to having far too much screen time for 3-5 days next month as I get locked in to online updates about that race like I do for the Barkley in the spring.

Oh! The epilogue! Apparently I’m not actually ready to wrap this review up yet. My name and photo on this review probably make it obvious that I am a woman & while I love seeing anyone finish the Barkley, I could not stop refreshing Twitter during the 2024 Barkley while Jasmin was still Out There. I had notifications on for Keith’s tweets, and literally cried in a Target fitting room when he sent out that she was a finisher. So when I first read that the author was going to the 2023 Barkley, I was a little bummed thinking that the 2024 Barkley wouldn’t be mentioned in this (because wow, what a year that was!) and I love that it was included. I’ve heard ‘controversy’ about Laz, including comments he’s made about women in his races, and I thought that the way it was discussed in this book was both clear and respectful and I really appreciated that. So I really liked both the combination of Laz’s comments and hope about seeing a woman finish, and then getting to read about Jasmin to wrap this book up.

Okay now I actually am wrapping this review up. Just read this book. I was planning on waiting for the audiobook so I could tandem read it, but decided I couldn’t wait once I had it in my hands. But I have the audiobook pre-ordered so will I be rereading this in a few weeks when that comes out? It’s probable.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beasley did a great job with what was likely a very difficult subject: Gary Cantrell aka Laz Lake, someone with no fixed identity, someone who has been notoriously cagey with reporters, loose with facts, and silent about his private life. Surprisingly, the author gathers quite a bit of biographical info about Laz. More than anything I take from it is that Laz has suffered. As a teen, he had a tumor that led to surgeries, and the pain of recovery was excruciating. He butted heads with his straightlaced dad, which led to a period of itinerant hitchhiking and roaming. A blocked artery caused him to quit running, which was his passion. But all that backstory led to his career as a race director and his two biggest races, the Barkley and Big's Backyard Ultra. I really enjoyed how Beasley bookended "The Endurance Artist" with close accounts of both races. As Laz put it, in the Barkley the runners face brutal external elements but in Big's, a last man standing event, they battle themselves. People who want to learn more about Laz will also want to learn more about these races, as they are maybe the purest extension of who he is and what he stands for. Runners shouldn't have to pay for a lot of frills. They should be tested to their limits. Some have supposed that Laz is a masochist, but that doesn't come through here at all. He has a gruff exterior, for sure, but he genuinely loves his races and the competitors. I really appreciate the title of Beasley's book, because it sums up so perfectly what Laz is. Creativity is rarely carried to pursuits outside the arts. Even in the arts, it's often missing. But Laz is creative in what he wants to see in an event. He's an innovator, which I think comes from him being an iconoclast. He is one of those rare people who play by their own rules. I think that's what makes him so magnetic to others.

[Amyg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be full of disjointed sentence structure, minimal and weirdly placed punctuation, and uncommon word choice, all of which combined to interrupt the flow and make it a slightly annoying and difficult read. One paragraph often had nothing to do with the next. People are mentioned fleetingly and it’s hard to keep track of who they are and why they’re being talked about. Histories that could have added to the depth/understanding are entirely skipped. There was a whole chapter on the idiots run, and on the next page you read that it’s been dead for years, but there was no explanation of the how or why it ended, other than a mention about asphalt. How did we get from here to there? Stories are told out of order, and you’re constantly trying to figure out what he’s talking about. Names are dropped and you have to deduce who they are. It’s like he wanted it to be difficult to read? And/or didn’t have an editor? The lack of flow was really challenging for me - I could only get through a few pages at a time because of the writing style. I really wanted to come here and find some validation that someone else felt this way as well, but I’m definitely in the minority among many glowing reviews. For a topic I am very interested in, it was just a miss for me.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until now, Lazarus Lake had only been captured in fragments — brief mentions in articles, glimpses in documentaries. This book connects those fragments into a full, three-dimensional portrait.

What struck me most was how much of this came from the author’s long-standing relationship with Laz himself. That closeness allows the book to show a man who is complex, deeply human, and far more than the myth. We also meet the elite runners who test themselves against his events and, in doing so, we see Laz’s own gaze fixed on the limits of human endurance. It isn’t sadism that drives him, but mischief, pure curiosity, and a genuine sense of awe.

Just as inspiring is the author’s own achievement: completing his personal “Barkley” — the long and grueling journey of writing and publishing this book. I’m grateful he pushed through that course and delivered a work that is both exciting and deeply thought-provoking. An exciting and thought-provoking read — not just for ultrarunners, but for anyone interested in the limits of endurance and life itself.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our library didn’t have it, nor was the e-book available on Hoopla (our library system’s digital app) but the audiobook was

This is the most in-depth study of Laz ever accomplished - or allowed - I’m sure; Jared must’ve made quite an impression on him, for Laz to grant such a passage into his highly protected history

Not only does it fully flesh out the little snippets we’ve heard about Laz (pulling his own teeth, for instance), but also a deep-dive into his childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. We learn how he came to adopt Big, and the genesis of the race that bears his name, as well as The Barkley, of course

Speaking of Barkley and Big’s, we are presented with highly detailed, loop-by-loop views of the 2023 races from inside camp, putting us practically at Laz’s elbow as those campaigns unfolded

As this was an audiobook, credit also goes to the narrator, who accomplishes Laz’s screechy voice with uncanny accuracy when required

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's no way I'm not going to enjoy a book about Lazarus Lake, the Barkleys and the Backyard Challenge, so yup, that's thumbs up from me.

I didn't enjoy the writing style as it's a bit 'flowery' and it took me quite a while to get into it. The order of the various sections is a bit weird too and we don't really drill down too much in Laz's history until about halfway through. But maybe any book about Laz should have an unconventional approach with a slightly disordered chronology. (I'm sure he'd agree.)

The factual sections based on the author's attendance at Big Dog's Backyard Challenge and the Barkleys in 2023 are the best bits and provide some really fascinating insights into the challenges faced by the participants in those events.

It's an interesting read though maybe a bit niche but Barkley aficionados will love it.

[Jody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think you need to be into running to really enjoy this and I am not. There are a lot of people described in depth in this book. I was interested in learning more about Lazarus, which I did. However, the intense focus on various runners and descriptions of running events was not super interesting, at least for someone who doesn't run. The book also skipped around from Lazarus' past to many races in different locations and it was almost too much information and too scattered for me to really enjoy it.

[Erin Nielsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I loved this in-depth look at Laz/Gary, ultrarunning, and notorious races he created such as "Backyard" and "Barkleys." Most of all, I appreciated and related to Laz's perspective of most humans not knowing their true limits and deep down believes people are capable of so much more. Docked half a star because the flow of the book took a bit to get into, but if you read each chapter as a mini story, you'll be ok.

[Anthony Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about Lazarus Lake from the Barkley Marathons documentary with Jasmin Paris. One of the best documentaries I’ve ever seen and this book was the perfect deeper dive. It gives a unique behind the scenes look at how Laz built his races, his mindset, and the life that shaped him. One of my favorite endurance stories so far. Highly recommend.

[Tommy Schlosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting! My favorite stylistic feature was that the book was not chronological. While mentioned only lightly in the book, it has peaked my already heightened interest in entering 'screwed' the Last Annual Vol State Run. I felt like I knew a decent amount about Laz, and while thorough, I feel like I have more questions and am even more fascinated by him and his runs.

[Jak Krumholtz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sunday I ran 39 miles and got to hang with some great people when a friend and I did our own easy version of a backyard ultra. (3 miles every hour for thirteen hours) Laz and his running creations are interesting enough to overcome this book's occasional weird structure and confusing moments that had me rereading chunks to follow.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you are a Lazarus Lake / Gary Cantrell fan, or have followed the Barkley Marathons for any length of time, this book is for you. Beautifully written, it feels like a love letter from the entire running community to Laz.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun look into the man behind the races, as well as Barkley and Bigs. I'll admit though, even after reading I still don't have a good grasp of who Laz really is, but isn't that part of the allure? Good read, and I'll be looking into the author's other works.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not an ultra runner, I’m actually not even a runner. But I enjoyed this book start to finish. In life we all have something to endure whether it be mental, emotional, or physical. These runners and of course Laz are truly an inspiration to never quit

[Juha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monipuolinen kirja Barkley Marathonsista ja Backyard ultrasta, mutta ennen kaikkea niiden keksijästä. Aikamoinen hahmo! Jos et ole kuullutkaan näistä ultrajuoksuista, kannattaa aloittaa jostain vähän helpommin sulatettavasta.

[Becky Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had figured out most of what was written by researching online prior to reading the book. At points I was annoyed with the author, wondering why he was wasting time on some things. In the end, I think you get a good look at Laz’s life and the races. I had to learn to embrace the writing style.

[Bjorn Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read! Highly recommended. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I'm not an ultra enthusiast but read about the main players from time to time. So I'm familiar with Gary Cantrell. I always felt there was something deeper to him. This story sheds light on the man, the races, and the why.

[Rory McAvinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed the insight to Lazarus Lake, good job from Jared.

i dont think you really need to know anything about Lazarus lake, but if you have any interest in the Barkley or Big's this book is a no brainer. Really hard to put down once I stated.

[Allan Beatty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome mix of a memoir, race recaps and anecdotes about a very interesting man and the endurance races he created. Very inspiring. My only negative is I found the writing a bit choppy and found some descriptions hard to visualize.

[Regan Meyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS 👏👏👏

[Marisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read and undeniably a well written book, even if you’re not a fan of the sport I think you’d enjoy.

Full review to come

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a solid book about Barkley, backyard, and laz himself. But if you’ve already read/watched everything out there on the topic, this will feel a bit too familiar.

[Tarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book about the human spirit. It's still tumbling around in my mind. I'll write more later. To all my running friends, read this! You'll love it.

[Alex Fridley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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