John Muir Trail Record???

It could be a guy named Brett Maune who announced his intentions on this site on July 22.

It's my impression that a lot of ultra-runners and fast packers don't care about internet land. So I wouldn't be surprised if people who aren't online run trails for records. Though I do think it's important to get their claims on records out there through suitable channels (not always the net).

I don't think that records for trails such as the JMT really mean that much. There are too many other variables besides the individual's athletic prowess that can influence the time required to cover the trail.

Since there are no referees, judges, course marshals, timekeepers or formal rules it's an informal record at best.

Charles
Its all the variables that make records like this interesting. It takes many more skills than just physical prowess, especially if you're going for an "unsupported" record. Planning, timing, judgement, a few basic backcountry skills, and YES, it takes a bit of luck.

Kevin
The formal structure you speak of only comes into existence when enough people care. Right now there's not even a definitive agreement on what the course is. Some start from the Portal and some start from the Whitney Summit.

Aaron, considering what it would take physically to finish the JMT in the stated time, there really isn't a whole lot left for updating people online on proposed intentions, so much time would likely be invested in sleep, running, conditioning, and diet so you gotta give some grace to individuals. I think the more the whole JMT record topic is discussed on forums such as this there will be an influx of top tier ultra runners who regularly run 150-200+ mile weeks making their way over and try and settle it officially, once the "official" conditions are even established. Until then, any "record" set on the JMT would appear to be an unofficial record followed by a handful of interests on a specific forum such as BPL. Karl Meltzers' AT attempt comes to mind, there was buzz surrounding that one for sure.

Hey Charles,
I know what you mean by your commit.

"I don't think that records for trails such as the JMT really mean that much."

They may not, but they do to us!

Check out the link below and read my commit on the reply to Brett's JMT Unsupported Speed Record Attempt if you really care to see why.

Thank you everyone for the help. I was gone for a few days and did not see the post yet.

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/forums/thread_display.html?forum_thread_id=22736&skip_to_post=185867#185867

I read an interesting interview in UFO (french Trail running magazine) issue August-September of trail running rising star Kilian Jornet among other about his trail running philosophy and his current projects.

So Kilian is going to attempt a John Muir Trail supported record, supposely in early August (my guess, since he will try to defend his last year UTMB win at end of August), following his June record setting on the GR20 in Corsica.

For those of you who are unaware of Kilian, this 21 year Spanish (Catalan) guy is already a running legend, holding at this early age a bunch of records or wins:
– winner of last year UTMB (ultra trail du mont blanc)
– winner of the skyrunning championship in 2007 & 2008
– holder of the "vertical kilometer" record in 31 minutes 52 seconds
– GR20 record
as well as some prestigious wins in skiracing (Pierra Menta 2008).

Check out following websites with great videos:
http://origin.salomonrunning.com/fr/kilian-quest-videos.aspx
and his personal website:
http://www.kilianjornet.com/

I wish him all the luck for his attempt.
Kilian is not just an outstanding athlete but a great personality.

In case you are lucky to meet him on the trail…

Jornet is not coming to attempt the JMT Record until late September, after his racing season.

It is a drag you had to back out Aaron due to body issues. I checked out the links for Michael Popov' JMT record, pretty amazing, reading his account was very eye opening, especially when he describes his fatigue induced hallucinations. It will be interesting to see how Jilian Jornet fairs on the JMT if he attempts this September. His finish on the GR20 across Corsica was amazing to watch and read about. Maybe his unfamiliarity with the JMT will be one deciding factor, he obviously has the endurance, talent, drive and speed to do the JMT. Why has Kilian set his eyes on the JMT? Just curious.

My Guess is Jornet being sponsored by Salomon has something to do with it.

Yes, but I'm hoping it is the street cred in appreciation of not getting the record because he is unable to break the time Michael may have, (or even Sue) for that matter.
Michael is a Russian any way, so all that gets thrown out the door.

Kilian is young and doesn't do as good, or at least it seems he doesn't do so good at night with unfamiliar territory.

He has also, (as far as I know) never run further than the GR20 in one shot.
The JMT is another 100 miles further than the GR20.

Michael will have run over 200 miles in one shot 5 times.

There are 2 people out on the JMT right now going for the Unsupported and Supported records as we speak.

I am just wondering what time Killian is going to try to go for as far as his time predictions of meeting crews go.

Just wanted to let everyone know that Michael started his attempt on time from Whitney Portal.

He started at 1200am last night.

Got to the top at 4:05am.

You can check out his face-book for more info.
It will be updated while he is out there.

"prediction :
As the sponsors move into the trail record game, the rules will become more formalized."

I can just see it now, just like the Tour de France. Burros following the runners at their pace giving them bottles, insoles, fixing scrapes, etc. Helicopters, cameras, and thousands and thousands of spectators along the trail.

Well,
I'm off to help Michael out.

He left this morning 45 minutes behind his 79:45 hour schedule.

He only got about 1 1/2 hours of sleep before his 12:00am start, so it's as good as expected.

I'll try to getr someone to update this before he finishes.

Good luck to Michael in his attempt.

Is insane thinking about somebody covering this distance at once…

departure photos here:

http://sports.webshots.com/album/573885200IlcXef

This is Aaron Sorensen's Dad.
Aaron just called, Mike had a rough night last night. 72 miles in 27 1/2 hours. 4 1/2 hours behind his schedule, but still ahead of the record. He is tring to get to Red's Meadow by 7 pm this even & finish by Noon Friday. Looks like there will be snow on Donahaue Pass. I will be meeting Aaron soon & heading to Red's Meadow.

Darrell Sorensen

First: I feel this JMT Record stuff is WAY off the intention of the meaning for the trail's existance.

Second: If an athlete IS going to attempt a "JMT record" it should be DOCUMENTED in an unassailable fashion with people staioned at (unannounced) checkpoints with cameras and timers. Otherwise any JMT or other trail "record" is merely unoficial and open to much question, as we have seen in PCT record attempts.

I was a support sea kayaker for a co-worker who broke the record for swimming Lake Erie from Canada to the U.S. He met all critera for the record keepers and had ample documentation. His record still stands.

Eric

Thanks for the update Darrell. Looks like the weather today won't be quite as bad as feared.

Check out the other JMT forum for info on Michael's report.