Karl “SpeedGoat” Meltzer Breaks AT Speed Record | New Record: 45 Days, 22 Hours, 38 Minutes
At 5 AM on August 3, 2016, Karl “SpeedGoat” Meltzer, age 48, left Mount Katahdin in Maine and headed south along the 2190 mile Appalachian Trail. At 3:38 AM on September 18, 2016, Meltzer arrived at the end of the trail at Springer Mountain in Georgia. He completed the entire length of the AT in 45 Days, 22 Hours, 38 Minutes – setting a new Appalachian Trail Speed Record for a supported thru hike.
Meltzer broke Scott Jurek’s 2015 AT Speed record of 46 days, 8 hours, 7 minutes. Last year, Meltzer crewed for Jurek while he ran and this year, Jurek returned the favor during this record breaking effort.
This was Meltzer’s third attempt at breaking the record. In 2008, he finished the AT in 54 days, but did not set the record. In 2014, he dropped out due to an injury after competing 1500 miles. Third time’s a charm though. In 2016, he set the Appalachian Trail Speed Record by roughly 9.5 hours. He didn’t sleep for the last night in an effort to compete the last 85 miles.
After finishing the race, he walked down the mountain and ordered a beer and a pepperoni pizza. According to the NYTimes.com, Meltzer was fueled by energy drinks and candy along the route.
Meltzer is a world-class ultrarunner. Here’s a quick look at his impressive resume:
- Won more 100 mile races than everyone on earth
- 5-time Hardrock 100 champion
- 6-time Wasatch 100 champion
- Named U.S. Ultrarunner of the Year
RedBull also has a few fun facts about Karl Meltzer and his Appalachian Trail Run:
- 4,330,207 Steps
- 345,122 Calories Burned
- 3.28 MPH Average Speed
- 2190 Miles Covered
- 22 Pairs Of Shoes Worn Through
- 45 Days, 22 Hours, 28 Minute Speed Record
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