Karl Meltzer Sets New Appalachian Trail Speed Record

Ultra runner and Red Bull athlete Karl Meltzer set a new Appalachian Trail thru-hike speed record early this morning, Sept. 18, 2016, when he arrived to Springer Mountain in Georgia at 3:38 a.m. Karl started at 5 a.m. on Aug. 3 at the north end of the trail at Mount Katahdin, Maine. The new record set by Meltzer is 45 days, 22 hours and 38 minutes.

The 48-year-old runner began his assault in early August, hoping to best Scott Jurek’s mark of 46 days, 8 hours, 7 minutes set last year for the 2,189-mile trail that stretches from Maine to Georgia. In recent days, Metzler has enjoyed the support and company of former AT record-holder David Horton, as well as support from Jurek, the current record-holder.

“His company on the trail has been greatly appreciated; the strong bond among the ultra community is at work here,” said Meltzer on the Day 44 update of the Red Bull site that tracked his progress.

For the final stretch, Meltzer ran 83 miles nonstop (23 hours and 48 minutes) beginning Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3:50 a.m. until Sunday, Sept. 18 at 3:38 a.m.

In total, Karl ran 2,190 miles through 14 states supported by a small crew consisting of his father and crew chief Eric Belz.

 

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