Podcast Title: Tosh Show
Host: Daniel Tosh, iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: My Ultrarunner Hero - John Kelly
Release Date: December 3, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of the Tosh Show, host Daniel Tosh sits down with John Kelly, an accomplished ultramarathoner renowned for his multiple completions of the infamous Barkley Marathons. Released on December 3, 2024, this episode delves deep into Kelly’s extraordinary running career, the grueling nature of the Barkley Marathons, and the personal challenges he has overcome to achieve such feats.

Guest Introduction and Background

Daniel Tosh introduces John Kelly as "one of the most physically impressive individuals" he has ever met. Paul, another host, adds a touch of humor by referring to Kelly as a "mild-mannered masochist" and praises his ultrarunning prowess.

Key Quote:

Paul [10:18]: "There's a good chance my guest today ran all the way here from Tennessee. He is one of only a handful of people in the history of humankind to finish the Barkley marathons, and he's done it three times."

John Kelly clarifies his origins, mentioning that he currently resides in Santa Monica, near the North Carolina-Tennessee border, and explains that his journey into ultrarunning began after a decade-long hiatus from the sport.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [11:00]: "Yeah, I'm right there on the North Carolina Tennessee border."

Understanding the Barkley Marathons

The core of the conversation revolves around the Barkley Marathons, a notoriously challenging ultramarathon held annually in Tennessee's rugged mountains. Hosted over 60 hours, participants must complete five loops, each approximately 20 miles, navigating unmarked trails without GPS assistance. Verification of each loop is done by ripping a corresponding page from a race-specific book, ensuring the runner's adherence to the course.

Key Details:

• History: Initiated in 1986, the race was inspired by the escape of James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., who evaded capture for over 60 hours.
• Completion Rate: As of the episode, only 24 individuals have successfully completed the race since its inception.
• Race Director: Gary Cantrell, a fellow ultrarunner and heavy smoker, created the race, though he himself has never completed it.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [16:15]: "The race was based off the assassination of James Earl Ray, who escaped from prison and was caught 60 hours later and had only made it 12 miles away."

Notable Rules and Features:

• Entry Fee: A mere $1.60, originally intended as $0.01 per mile for the race.
• Start Time: Randomized, announced only an hour before the race via unconventional signals like a conch shell or the race director lighting a cigarette.
• Course Integrity: Strict policies against off-trail running to protect native species and avoid dangerous areas like open mineshafts.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [17:05]: "I'm pretty infamous for my sweet tooth and junk food, so it's."

John Kelly’s Experiences and Achievements

John Kelly shares his personal journey with the Barkley Marathons, highlighting his initial failures and eventual successes. His first completion in 2017 made him the only finisher that year. He later completed the race in 2023, demonstrating his resilience and dedication.

Key Quotes:

John Kelly [10:33]: "Please welcome to the studio where we sit down in chairs for an hour like normal people. Mild mannered, masochist, I mean, ultra marathoner John Kelly."

John Kelly [23:38]: "Yeah, I've done pretty well, you know, but that's not to say I don't still have goals."

Kelly recounts winning the race in 2007 and shares a poignant moment from his second finish, where he took a 20-minute break at the summit of a mountain overlooking his childhood home, savoring the achievement amidst perfect conditions.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [23:43]: "The first finish, all I wanted to do was get there. The second finish, I wanted to enjoy it. And it was incredible… I just stopped and enjoyed it for 20 minutes at the top, and that was rewarding."

Challenges and Personal Anecdotes

Kelly opens up about the intense physical and mental challenges of the Barkley Marathons. He discusses issues like sleep deprivation, hallucinations, and the risk of injury, illustrating the extreme conditions runners face.

Notable Anecdotes:

• Parenting Mishap: Early in the podcast, Daniel Tosh humorously shares a story about a parenting mishap where he accidentally injured his daughter while playing with her at school. This segment, while not directly related to Kelly's story, sets a personal and relatable tone for the episode.

Key Quote:

Daniel Tosh [02:08]: "I done goofed. I'm worried they're gonna backtrace me now."

• Lost Pages Incident: In 2022, Kelly lost his verification pages due to a faulty waist belt, forcing him to abandon the race just shy of completion. Despite this setback, he views his early attempts as crucial steps toward eventual success.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [22:44]: "I thought you would appreciate that…"

• Encounter with a Childhood Friend: During the race, Kelly had a surreal encounter with an old friend, leading him to believe he was hallucinating. This moment underscores the mental strain of ultrarunning.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [25:01]: "This time probably a couple times... [I] was convinced. I was like, I finally had my first real hallucination."

Balancing Ultrarunning with Personal Life

John Kelly discusses the delicate balance between his demanding ultrarunning schedule and his responsibilities as a father of four. He emphasizes being a hands-on father while ensuring he doesn't become a helicopter parent, allowing his children the freedom to learn and grow independently.

Key Quotes:

John Kelly [28:27]: "Yeah. Yeah. I've got my own Italian designer running shirts here."

John Kelly [37:14]: "Yeah, that's hilarious. But in the end, it's about balance."

Kelly also touches upon how ultrarunning fits into his daily routine, noting that his training regimen is comparable to that of a serious marathoner, yet he maintains a flexible approach to prevent it from becoming obsessive.

Key Quote:

John Kelly [29:09]: "Mainly distance, but you know, I don't go as far as everyone assumes I would. I really don't train more than a serious marathon runner would."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with light-hearted interactions between Daniel Tosh, Paul, and John Kelly. Tosh humorously addresses the influx of gifts from guests, emphasizing his preference for minimal material possessions. The trio also engages in playful banter about ultrarunning gear and personal anecdotes, maintaining the show's signature comedic tone.

Key Quote:

Daniel Tosh [52:55]: "Until next week. I'm the captain now."

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Paul [10:18]: "There's a good chance my guest today ran all the way here from Tennessee. He is one of only a handful of people in the history of humankind to finish the Barkley marathons, and he's done it three times."

• John Kelly [11:00]: "Yeah, I'm right there on the North Carolina Tennessee border."

• John Kelly [16:15]: "The race was based off the assassination of James Earl Ray, who escaped from prison and was caught 60 hours later and had only made it 12 miles away."

• John Kelly [23:38]: "Yeah, I've done pretty well, you know, but that's not to say I don't still have goals."

• John Kelly [25:01]: "This time probably a couple times... [I] was convinced. I was like, I finally had my first real hallucination."

Key Takeaways

• Persistence Pays Off: John Kelly’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance. His initial failures at the Barkley Marathons were instrumental in honing his skills and mindset, ultimately leading to his multiple completions.

• Mental and Physical Fortitude: The Barkley Marathons test the limits of human endurance, requiring not just physical strength but also immense mental resilience.

• Balancing Personal Life: Achieving success in such an extreme sport necessitates a careful balance between personal responsibilities and athletic ambitions. Kelly exemplifies how one can maintain this equilibrium.

• Community and Recognition: Despite the Barkley Marathons being a niche event, the growing recognition and pride among locals highlight the impact and significance of such challenges within smaller communities.

This episode offers listeners an inspiring glimpse into the life of an ultrarunner who has conquered one of the most demanding races in the world. Through John Kelly’s stories, the Tosh Show not only entertains but also sheds light on the extraordinary dedication required to excel in the realm of ultrarunning.