Search
RUN247 / Running News / Trail Running News / The GREATEST ever FKT? Tara Dower smashes Appalachian Trail record to worldwide acclaim

The GREATEST ever FKT? Tara Dower smashes Appalachian Trail record to worldwide acclaim

Jonathan Turner
News Director
Updated on

Ultrarunning royalty have hailed Tara Dower‘s fastest known time on the Appalachian Trail as “possibly the most impressive FKT ever”.

The American athlete, who turned 31 during the challenge, covered the 2,197.4 miles in 40 days, 18 hours and five minutes, finishing late on Saturday 21 September.

That took 13 hours and 32 minutes off the previous best mark, set by Barkley Marathons finisher Karel Sabbe in 2018.

Advertisement

Like climbing Mt Everest – 16 times

Sabbe completed the route northbound but Dower went in the other direction, from the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain, Georgia in the south, crossing pretty much the whole of the eastern United States.

Dower started on 12 August and covered an average of over 54 miles a day, with a mix of running and hiking.

There is a staggering 464,500 feet of elevation gain on the entire route – that is the equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest 16 times!

In a year which has already seen Jasmin Paris become the first woman to finish the infamous Barkley Marathons, ultrarunning GOAT Courtney Dauwalter shatter the Hardrock 100 course record and then Katie Schide do the same at UTMB, this feat is right up there.

‘I didn’t think it was possible’

Writing on her Instagram page, Dower said: “Finishing the Appalachian Trail in the fastest known time (pending verification by FKT) is a dream come true.

“If I’m to be honest I didn’t think it was possible. However, I had people on my crew who believed in my abilities and pushed me to my limits. Thats all it was. Everyday waking up, getting on trail, doing my best and trusting @chumpchangefkt.

“Incredibly thankful for ALL the crew, pacers, and friends who came out to help. It would have not been possible without y’all. My brain is still foggy and I’m still processing everything. There will be more in the coming days but for now thank you for all the support!”

Dower says her fascination with the Appalachian Trail “began in my dorm room at East Carolina University in 2012. I watched “APPALACHIAN TRAIL” By National Geographic and became obsessed with the trail.”

Appalachian Trail signpost
In 2024 the route is now 2,197.4 miles

Plaudits pour in

Her goal in the record attempt was to raise $20,000 for Girls on the Run, saying: “My hope is to inspire women and girls to go for that tough goal no matter if it’s with running or in life.”

And that target has already been surpassed as the plaudits pour in.

The legendary John Kelly said on Instagram: “Possibly the most impressive FKT ever, just absolutely amazing. Congrats, I hope you’re looking back and savoring every moment that went into it!”

And the great Courtney Dauwalter simply added: Incredible!!!! Congrats.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  

Latest Running News

Ruth Croft on her way to victory at the 2021 Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB 102km photo credit: Graeme Murray
Stellar fields, hat-trick seeking Kiwis and Western States Golden Tickets up for grabs in T102 in New Zealand
Konoka Azumi wins the 100-mile race at the 2024 Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB
Azumi looking to double up as she makes short hop to Rotorua for 100-miler at Tarawera Ultra-Trail by UTMB
Hayden Hawks UTMB CCC 2024 photo credit UTMB
UTMB CCC champ Hayden Hawks looking to start year in style at Tarawera Ultra-Trail T50
XTERRA-Oak-Mountain-2023-men-podium-Serrieres-Lagerstrom-Sloth
‘Pure magic’ – triathlon star the latest to make ultrarunning mark with podium at Black Canyon
Paris-2024-Olympic-mens-triathlon-Alex-Yee-run-for-run247
“Hopefully I’ll have fun for the first 32km” – Olympic champ on digging deep in first marathon
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...