One Woman Sets Impressive New Record on the Appalachian Trail This Week

A new Fastest Known Time (FKT) has been set on the strenuous Appalachian Trail earlier this week.

Maria Aldrich | Sep 22, 2024

Appalachian Trail signage / Unsplash

On September 21, the Appalachian Trail saw a new Fastest Known Time (FKT). The previous overall record for the 2,197-mile trail was set in 2018 by Karel Sabbe, for a time of 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes. Now, that record has been broken by shaving off 13 hours.

31-year-old Tara Dower is an experienced endurance athlete who diligently planned and trained for this challenge. Dower completed her journey on Saturday for a time of 40 days, 18 hours, and 5 minutes.

To put this tremendous achievement into perspective, it takes the average hiker 5-7 months to complete the trail, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Moreover, hikers need to plan ahead to resupply their food and water along the way.

This iconic trail takes hikers through 14 states, running from Maine to Georgia. Dower clocked in approximately 54 miles per day as she navigated her way through each state.

This record-breaking feat is not the first time Dower has set a speed record; her endurance resume is extensive. In 2023, she beat a long-standing record on the Colorado Trail, creating a new FKT of 8 days, 21 hours, and 59 minutes. Additionally, Dower completed the Benton MacKaye Trail in 4 days, 21 hours, and 25 minutes. Her resume doesn't end here, however, as she has a lengthy list of speed records that she has broken over time.

While breaking the record was a goal of Dower's, she had another motive in mind which involved raising money for Girls on the Run.

She stated on her website, "My goal is to raise $20,000 for Girls on the Run during my Appalachian Trail Fastest Known Time attempt. My hope is to inspire women and girls to go for that tough goal no matter if it's with running or in life."

Dower's fundraising efforts surpasses her initial goal of $20,000. By the time she finished her challenge, she had raised an whopping $21,076.

To learn more about Dower and her athletic journey, visit her YouTube channel where she shares her adventures and accomplishments with viewers.

Published Sep 22, 2024

MARIA ALDRICH

Maria Aldrich graduated from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Wilderness Education. While earning her degrees, she learned the fundamentals of climbing, wilderness travel, and leadership in the backcountry. These skills built upon Maria's lifelong passion for the outdoors. Following graduation, she began working in the outdoor recreation field, serving individuals with disabilities to help them access outdoor pursuits including hiking, paddling, horseback riding, and snowshoeing. The following year, Maria moved to the Adirondack Mountains in New York State to continue working towards a life of adventure and writing. She has continued rock and ice climbing, hiking in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks, and paddling through various rivers while documenting her experiences through writing. When Maria isn’t adventuring in the mountains, she can be found reading a book, fishing on a shoreline, or spending time with family.