An ultra runner has set a new record time on one of the world’s longest and most iconic hiking trails.
Tim Olson, a professional trail runner for Adidas TERREX and two-time Western States 100 champion, completed the 2650-mile (4170km) Pacific Crest Trail in a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) of 51 days, 16 hours and 30 minutes.
The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico to Canada and heads through the states of California, Oregon and Washington.
When Tim started out at the southern end his aim was to run 50 miles (80 km) each day. Two weeks into the challenge, he was ahead of his pace and eventually finished with 15 hours and 30 minutes spare over the previous record held by Karel Sabbe, from Belgium.
It is a challenge that Tim had long wanted to do. He said: “From the very beginning of my trail running career, I wanted to run the PCT. It’s a part of my heart and finally I’ve reached the stage where I want to do the whole thing.”
His run on the PCT, which finished on July 22, was supported. Every day he averaged 50.9 miles (82km) and some 8200ft (2500m) of elevation gain.
Tim partnered with the Return to Zero: H.O.P.E Foundation, a community of bereaved families and health-care providers with the goal of transforming the culture around pregnancy and infant loss through awareness, education and support. See Tim’s page.
While speaking on the Fastest Known Podcast with Buzz Burrell, he said he would not have accomplished the FKT without the support of his team, family, and Krista, his wife and fellow ultrarunner, who is expecting their third child this month.
He also revealed he would like to attempt an unsupported FKT on a long-distance trail in the next few years.
See Fastest Known Time of more records.
