Barkley finisher runs 2nd fastest marathon among amateurs at Ironman World Championship

Update (10/18): Kelly posted the second-fastest, and not the top time as originally reported, marathon among amateurs. Stefano Passarello ran 2:53:32.

The 15th finisher of the Barkley Marathons competed at the Ironman World Championship on Saturday.

RELATED: Three-time Barkley Marathons finisher races Whistler Alpine Meadows.

John Kelly, who in April became one of 15 people (on 18 occasions) to complete the 100-mile ultramarathon in Frozen Head State Park, Tenn., posted the second-fastest marathon time among amateurs (those competing in age groups) in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on Saturday. The American finished 61st overall in 9:13:13 including a 42.2K run split of 3:00:42.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaRpq9HFiFx/

When asked on Instagram what’s harder between the Barkley and the Ironman World Championship, Kelly had the following to say:

“There’s not even a comparison. This was a tough one due to the heat and other factors, but nothing like five loops at Barkley. Finishing an Ironman ~= one Barkley loop in any amount of time; qualifying for Kona ~= Barkley Fun Run.”

RELATED: Lionel Sanders finishes runner-up at 2017 Ironman World Championship.

Canadian Lionel Sanders posted one of the top marathon splits on the day finishing second overall to German Patrick Lange in 8:04:07 including a 2:51:53 marathon. Women’s champion Daniela Ryf ran a 3:00:02 marathon to win her third Ironman World Championship title.