The tiny European country of Andorra, with a population of about 80,000 people, is home to a wide array of mountains. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Pau Capell about his experiences as a Spanish mountain runner who relocated to the Ordino region. He shares the ins and outs of the technical Estripagecs route around the Ordino Valley where he set an unsupported FKT for the approximately 50km route. He covered the distance and over 4,000 meters of elevation gain in a blistering 8 hours and 34 minutes–just in time to meet his parents for lunch! Join host Heather Anderson as they discuss how mountain projects require heart and not just legs.

Today we’re traveling to possibly the most remote mountain range in the 48 contiguous US states–Wyoming’s Wind River Range. These rugged mountains have more bighorns than people and yet our guest Kelly Halpin finds great joy in traversing them solo and unsupported. Join host Heather Anderson in this week’s episode and learn what drove Kelly to return to this route and break her own FKT–set in 2020–by six hours. She shares what she did differently, what went well, and her tips for preparing for safe, enjoyable mountain travel.  Drop in and be inspired to add this 100 mile route to your bucket list!

What does the infinity symbol have to do with FKTs?  Well, if you’re in the state of Washington it’s indicative of one of the most challenging mountain routes in the state–Mount Rainier’s Infinity Loop. Join host Heather Anderson and guest Gian Dalle to hear about his adventure that combines summiting the iconic volcano twice and completing the 90+ mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the mountain.  Tune in to today’s episode and learn about what goes into a technical glacier climb plus long trail run, how major route issues almost ended the attempt before it began, and how being a firefighter enables Gian to get out and explore more.

Near the Norwegian border, mostly above the Arctic Circle, lies Sweden’s mountainous Kungsleden Trail. Tune in to today’s episode where host Heather Anderson chats with prolific FKT setter Liz Derstine about her recent self-supported effort on this iconic trail. She shares the logistical challenges of completing a 480-kilometer trail in just over six days while contending with seven lake crossings–including two that required rowing herself across. She also recounts her experiences with autumn weather, wild reindeer, and pushing herself into new personal terrain. Find out more about how she maintained a go with the flow attitude while setting an FKT and what inspired her to take on this challenge.

This week we travel to New Zealand to catch up with the world’s fastest dentist, Karel Sabbe. In early 2025 he smashed the supported record on the iconic Te Araroa Trail by taking over 17 days off of the previous time on the 3,000 kilometer route. Tune in as Karel and host Heather Anderson talk about beach running, wild dogs, fording rivers, and more on this incredible adventure.

The Munro Round is a classic peakbagging list in Scotland with a strong history of FKT attempts. In today’s episode, we’re catching up with Jamie Aarons to hear all about her self-powered journey to all 282 summits in just 31 days!Join host Heather Anderson and learn from Jamie about Scotland’s unique public access to the land policy, as well as the complexities of cycling 1300 kilometers in addition to paddling to connect the peaks. Be inspired by the way the community came together to support her effort, and the ripples of support still going through the volunteer group long after the FKT is over.

This week we’re heading to Massachusetts and Connecticut with Marc Kelly to learn the ins and outs of the New England National Scenic Trail. This hidden gem runs 215 miles through the rooty, rocky, hills of southern New England. The NET is known for its challenging river crossings, access to towns, and limited camping options. Join Marc and host Heather Anderson in today’s inspiring episode where Marc shares the highs and lows of tackling his first multi-night FKT with his buddy Tyler–a plan hatched after a few too many beers–while learning new things about how his body responds to longer efforts and how the bonds of friendship and family can drive you forward. 

Today’s episode takes us to the highest mountain in Japan via a lesser-used route. Join host Heather Anderson as she chats with Simon Pfreundschuh about his self-supported FKT on Mount Fuji. He talks about how this route with 12,000 vertical feet ascent (and descent) became his first FKT, as well as the ways the Paul Deckret route surprised him. He also offers his tips for planning an FKT while traveling and shares the things he would have done differently.

Tune into today’s episode to hear Bob Stewart chat with host Heather Anderson about his experiences on Pennsylvania’s numerous state trails where he has set many FKTs. They dive into the particulars of his unsupported FKT on the notoriously difficult and remote Tuscarora Trail as well as why Bob enjoys the modality of unsupported more than other categories. Dive in and hear all about rocks, reroutes, and testing out homemade gear on a long FKT attempt. Bob also shares his tips for balancing work, family life, and FKTs.

Our podcast takes us to the Ouachita region of Arkansas today where Christine Reed joins host Heather Anderson and shares the story of setting her first FKTs despite several years of attempts. Learn what it’s like to train and compete with dysautonomia (POTS) and how that has impacted Christine’s journey. She also talks about her experiences with orb weaver spiders, a wildfire, dehydration and more on her way to her first FKT.

Recently, Fastest Known Time has approved new guidelines for para-athletes. Athletes who have any “Eligible Impairment” listed by the International Paralympic Committee may submit an FKT by checking the “Para athlete” checkbox on the FKT submission form. Our first para athlete is Shawn Cheshire, a fully blind athlete. Join host Heather Anderson as she talks with her about Shawn’s fully unsupported, unguided crossing of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. Shawn talks about the challenges of navigation as well as her encounters with trail users. She also shares how losing her sight at age 36 forced her to redefine herself and how she did so as an athlete—cycling for Team USA, cycling across the US, attempting Everest, and now setting an FKT. Drop into today’s episode to be inspired by Shawn.

The desert is a unique environment full of extremes. These can lead to high stakes during long adventures. Throw in some canyons and waterfalls and you’ve got the makings and an epic adventure. Tune into today’s show and hear how Nadja Heine set an FKT in Capitol Reef National Park on the 26 mile-long Four Canyon Loop while she was on vacation. Her stout time was set despite not knowing much about the route and admonitions from the park that it couldn’t be done in a day. Nadja and host Heather Anderson, also discuss the rise of Fastest Known Times in Nadja’s home country of Germany, the importance of preparation on unsupported efforts and the appeal of desert routes.

In today’s episode host Heather Anderson is joined by our 2024 Men’s FKT of the Year winner, Kilian Jornet. Kilian shares the story of his massive human powered 82 4,000-meter peaks link up in the European Alps which took him just over 19 days. Tune in and hear about his flow state moments, how he modified his fueling to maximize recovery, and what led him to take on such a huge endeavor. He also shares his thoughts and reflections on this incredible FKT.

Southern California’s Mount San Jacinto rises steeply above the Palm Desert–towering 10,400 feet above Palm Springs. This week, we’re grinding up the incredibly varied, sometimes technical, and always relentless Cactus to Clouds route with Helen Mino Faukner.  Helen shares her experience running not just up the mountain, but all the way back down in just under 8 hours. Along the way she encountered bighorn sheep, icy snow, navigational challenges, and a skeptical ranger.  Join host Heather Anderson in today’s episode to find out more!

Just a year after setting a stout unsupported time on Vermont’s iconic Long Trail, Will Peterson came back and achieved a stunning supported FKT. Over Labor Day Weekend 2024, Will, accompanied by 30 crew people broke John Kelly’s previous time and shattered the 4 day barrier. Drop in to today’s episode where Will shares his strategy, motivation, fueling and more with host Heather Anderson. He shares the highs and lows of the experience from injury to success as well as how he balances his busy life as a med student with training and executing multi-day FKTs.

Join host Heather Anderson on the FKT Podcast as she dives into the standout fastest known times of 2024 with special guest Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy. Joe, a renowned runner and FKTer with record-setting achievements on trails like the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail, and Arizona Trail, brings his unique perspective to this year’s incredible accomplishments. In this episode, Heather and Joe recap the most awe-inspiring FKTs of 2024, sharing stories of endurance, grit, and groundbreaking trail runs. Along the way, they offer a glimpse into their own FKT experiences and distinctive approaches to setting records. Tune in for an exciting discussion celebrating the best of 2024’s trail running feats!

Though Georgia Porter grew up in a family of runners, she didn’t start running until age 25. Her journey from roads to trails then ultras led her to reclaiming her joy in running and to setting a stout time on the Arizona Trail as her first FKT. Drop in to today’s episode, hosted by Heather Anderson, to hear about how Georgia’s supported run of the 800-mile-long Arizona Trail unfolded…and how it was nothing like she envisioned.

The 130-kilometer Cape to Cape Track in Western Australia is a popular route for backpackers and trail runners alike. Today’s guest, Mike Lori, took on his longest ultra distance challenge by running it solo and unsupported in just 14 and a half hours.  Join host Heather Anderson as they talk trail, chronic fatigue, snakes, quicksand and more. Mike also shares how trail running and FKTs are a family hobby that he shares with two of his sisters, including Erika Lori who’s Bibbulmun track FKT was the subject of a Gutsy Girl documentary https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u8XeiJKlsw&t=411s

“If you have a strong why, you can do the impossible.” Today’s episode dives deep into the mental side of long distance running as host Heather Anderson talks with Sophie Power about her supported FKT on the Head to Head Route Across Ireland. Sophie shares her highs and lows of running a hundred miles a day for three and a half days on only 2 hours and 17 minutes sleep.  Tune in to hear her philosophy on why mental strength is more important than physical and how her run became something bigger when the Irish running community, school children and residents along the route joined in. Sophie also shares her passion for removing barriers for women in sport and why she founded SheRaces. 

Colorado’s LA Freeway isn’t a misnomer. It’s a 34 mile link-up between Longs Peak and Arapahoe Peak along the Continental Divide. Join host Heather Anderson as she chats with Anton Krupicka about his unsupported FKT on this remote, technical, and exposed route. He shares his motivations and training for his 13 hour and 20 minute push that included over 18,000 feet of gain and 24 summits as well as his encounter with SAR in a crux section.