Speaker Bio:

Gary Cantrell, aka Lazarus Lake

Endurance Race Architect | Master of the Human Spirit | Creator of the Barkley Marathons

Known to the world as Lazarus Lake, Gary Cantrell is the enigmatic mastermind behind some of the most grueling endurance events ever conceived. From the infamous Barkley Marathons—where finishers are the rarest of legends—to the transcontinental “Race Across the USA” and the global backyard ultra phenomenon, Laz doesn’t just design races—he designs crucibles.

With a wicked sense of humor, a sharp philosophical mind, and an unmatched ability to test the limits of human endurance, Lazarus Lake has reshaped what we believe is possible. His races are less about speed and more about soul, drawing people from across the globe who aren’t just chasing finish lines, but discovering who they truly are along the way.

At TEDxVeroBeach, Lazarus will share the deeper truths hidden in his twisted trails: how suffering reveals character, why limits are an illusion, and what the human spirit looks like when stripped to its core. This isn’t just a talk about running—it’s about living.

Talk Title:

Over, under, around, or through!

Summary of Gary Cantrell’s presentation:

How do you convert that failure into success? Being willing to risk failure is only half the battle