Answer:
In her compelling article titled "The Immortal Horizon," published in The New York Times Magazine, author and accomplished ultrarunner Meghan Kita delves into the Barkley Marathons, a legendary and iconic ultramarathon race held in the challenging terrain of Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. Through her expertly crafted writing, Kita masterfully cultivates the larger-than-life and legendary aspects of the Barkley Marathons while simultaneously highlighting the harsh realities of this grueling race.
Kita's writing style is both extravagant and professional, expertly weaving in vivid language and captivating descriptions to create an aura of mystique and legend around the Barkley Marathons. She notes that the race is shrouded in secrecy and mystery, with a limited number of participants and an application process that includes a written essay and a $1.60 entry fee. Kita also paints a vivid picture of the race's founder, Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, who is depicted as a larger-than-life figure with a penchant for creating bizarre and challenging courses. Her use of language and hyperbole adds to the overall aura of mystique that surrounds the Barkley Marathons.
However, Kita is also careful to contrast the legendary aspects of the race with its harsh reality. She describes the race's brutal and unforgiving course, which covers over 100 miles of rugged terrain and includes steep climbs and descents, dense forests, and unpredictable weather conditions. Kita also notes that many participants fail to finish the race, with only a handful of runners completing the Barkley Marathons each year. By doing so, Kita creates a sense of awe and respect for the Barkley Marathons, while also acknowledging the immense challenges that runners face when attempting to complete this iconic race.
Overall, Kita's article is a masterful exploration of the legendary and larger-than-life aspects of the Barkley Marathons. Her writing is both extravagant and professional, and she expertly balances the mythical and legendary aspects of the race with its harsh realities. Through her captivating descriptions and vivid language, Kita draws readers into the world of ultrarunning and the Barkley Marathons, creating a compelling and ambitious narrative that is sure to inspire and captivate readers.