Tim Olsen sets new FKT on Pacific Crest Trail
Ultrarunner runs 4,170 km on Pacific Coast Trail in 51 days
Tim Olsen, a professional trail runner for Adidas TERREX and two-time Western States 100 champion (2012 and 2013), completed the 4,170-km Pacific Crest Trail in a new fastest known time of 51 days, 16 hours and 30 minutes, finishing on July 22. The Pacific Crest Trail stretches from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington. When Olsen started out at the southern trailhead in Campo, Calif. (near the Mojave Desert) on June 1, his goal was to conquer 50 miles (80 km) per day; luckily, he found himself ahead of pace two weeks into his run. Olsen managed to beat the previous record held by Belgium’s Karel Sabbe by 15 hours and 30 minutes.
RELATED: Karl Sabbe bags Appalachian Trail FKT to add to his Pacific Crest Trail FKT
Olsen credits his experiences at Western States and his maturity around the trail scene for his success on the PCT. Each day of his trip, Olsen averaged 82 km and around 2,500m of elevation gain. What pushed Olsen to conquer this FKT was his love of nature and the landscape of the west coast. Olsen partnered with the Return to Zero: H.O.P.E Foundation, a community of bereaved families and health-care providers trying to transform the culture around pregnancy and infant loss through awareness, education and support.
Timmy Olsen is ? close to catching the Pacific Crest Trail supported record! @timmyolson_run is running for Infant Loss Awareness, something dear to @gary_robbins and my hearts. Take a moment & see what Tim has to say & give if you can. ?❤️https://t.co/lKZmkaw3dQ pic.twitter.com/rOrc64cH0y
— Linda Barton-Robbins (@lindabear78) July 22, 2021
In an appearance on the the Fastest Known Podcast with Buzz Burrell, Olsen claimed that he would not have accomplished this FKT without the support of his team, family, and Krista, his wife and fellow ultrarunner, who is expecting their third child in August. He also said he would love to conquer an unsupported FKT on a long-distance trail in the next few years.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CRzD6cYsz7v/
You can find out more about Tim Olsen’s cause and make a contribution towards the Return To Zero Foundation here:
To see other fastest known times around the world you can visit www.fastestknowntime.com.
You can also view Tim Olsen’s achievement and each second of his journey on his Strava page. www.strava.com/pros/8958144
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