Search

RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / Barkley Marathons finisher Karel Sabbe crushes Pacific Crest Trail FKT

Barkley Marathons finisher Karel Sabbe crushes Pacific Crest Trail FKT

Olly Green
Reporter
Published on

Karel Sabbe has beaten the supported South-North Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) by over five days.

The Belgian, who was one of three finishers at this year’s Barkley Marathons, completed the 4,279km route in 46 days, 12 hours and 50 minutes.

A single-track trail from Mexico to Canada, the Pacific Crest Trail takes in both the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, and crosses the the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges, boasting 400,000ft of elevation gain.

Advertisement

Record setter

Sabbe set off from the USA-Mexico border near Campo in San Diego County in early July, and would set a new record for the California section of the trail.

After reaching the California-Oregon border in 29 days, 23 hours and 59 minutes, he powered further north in pursuit of Timothy Olson’s FKT for the Pacific Crest Trail.

A section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
A section of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) [Photo credit: Mkauffmann / Wikimedia Commons]

Sabbe had held the FKT for the route for five years until 2021, when Olson finished in 51 days, 16 hours and 55 minutes – around 15 hours quicker.

But by averaging a staggering 94km a day, Sabbe has now reclaimed the honour and added yet another successful FKT attempt to his record.

“Pacific Crest Trail, you are the most beautiful, epic trail in the world,” he wrote on Instagram after completing the feat.

“What a journey!

“Thanks @karelsabbe_crew for the incredible effort. And now some sleep.”

Advertisement

Barkley finisher

Sabbe enhanced his reputation in March when he became the 17th finisher of the Barkley Marathons, having narrowly missed out in the 2022 race amid hallucinations.

He is best known for his FKT exploits, though he did complete the Marathon des Sables as a ‘training session’ for one of his previous PCT bids.

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.

Latest Running News

Courtney Dauwalter tackles some tough terrain at the Mt. Fuji 100 photo credit Mt. Fuji 100
UTMB and Strava team up – and the early findings are VERY promising
Joyline Chepngeno OCC 2025 UTMB
UTMB OCC and Sierre-Zinal results revised after winner Joyline Chepngeno BANNED
Holly Wootten - No Limits Photography Dragons Back 2025
Dragon’s Back results 2025: Incredible new record from Holly Wootten
Courtney Dauwalter crown UTMB 2025
‘I feel lucky to be in the sport right now’ – GOAT Dauwalter raises bar again with reaction to UTMB struggles
Tom Evans salute UTMB win 2025
Tom Evans on the perspective shift and key training session which took him to UTMB glory
trail running on your terms

Never miss out with our trail alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.

The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...