FKT Podcast

The tiny European country of Andorra, with a population of about 80,000 people, is home to a wide array of mountains. In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Pau Capell about his experiences as a Spanish mountain runner who relocated to the Ordino region. He shares the ins and outs of the technical Estripagecs route around the Ordino Valley where he set an unsupported FKT for the approximately 50km route. He covered the distance and over 4,000 meters of elevation gain in a blistering 8 hours and 34 minutes–just in time to meet his parents for lunch! Join host Heather Anderson as they discuss how mountain projects require heart and not just legs.

Today we’re traveling to possibly the most remote mountain range in the 48 contiguous US states–Wyoming’s Wind River Range. These rugged mountains have more bighorns than people and yet our guest Kelly Halpin finds great joy in traversing them solo and unsupported. Join host Heather Anderson in this week’s episode and learn what drove Kelly to return to this route and break her own FKT–set in 2020–by six hours. She shares what she did differently, what went well, and her tips for preparing for safe, enjoyable mountain travel.  Drop in and be inspired to add this 100 mile route to your bucket list!

What does the infinity symbol have to do with FKTs?  Well, if you’re in the state of Washington it’s indicative of one of the most challenging mountain routes in the state–Mount Rainier’s Infinity Loop. Join host Heather Anderson and guest Gian Dalle to hear about his adventure that combines summiting the iconic volcano twice and completing the 90+ mile Wonderland Trail that circumnavigates the mountain.  Tune in to today’s episode and learn about what goes into a technical glacier climb plus long trail run, how major route issues almost ended the attempt before it began, and how being a firefighter enables Gian to get out and explore more.

Near the Norwegian border, mostly above the Arctic Circle, lies Sweden’s mountainous Kungsleden Trail. Tune in to today’s episode where host Heather Anderson chats with prolific FKT setter Liz Derstine about her recent self-supported effort on this iconic trail. She shares the logistical challenges of completing a 480-kilometer trail in just over six days while contending with seven lake crossings–including two that required rowing herself across. She also recounts her experiences with autumn weather, wild reindeer, and pushing herself into new personal terrain. Find out more about how she maintained a go with the flow attitude while setting an FKT and what inspired her to take on this challenge.

This week we travel to New Zealand to catch up with the world’s fastest dentist, Karel Sabbe. In early 2025 he smashed the supported record on the iconic Te Araroa Trail by taking over 17 days off of the previous time on the 3,000 kilometer route. Tune in as Karel and host Heather Anderson talk about beach running, wild dogs, fording rivers, and more on this incredible adventure.