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.
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.”
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.”
