Kilian Jornet sets fastest known time on Matterhorn

Outside of the world of marathoning and track and field, Kilian Jornet may be the greatest runner alive.

The Spaniard took down yet another “fastest known time” when he ran up and then back down the iconic Matterhorn. The 25-year old accomplished the feat in 2:52, taking just over 20 minutes off the previous record, which was set back in 1995.

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Jornet began his run in the town of Breuil-Cevinia, which is nestled at the foot of the Matterhorn on the Italian side. He then took a secondary route up the mountain at mid-day in order to avoid the crowding that usually occurs on the easier route. Most climbers begin their ascent of the Matterhorn at dawn.

The famed mountain runner climbed 8,100 feet in elevation gain in just 1:56:15. He then flew back down the mountain in a shocking 56 minutes.

In July, Jornet set the fastest known time up and down Mont Blanc. He next plans on tackling the tallest mountain in Europe, the 18,510 Mt. Elbrus in a remote area of Russia.