Achievement on GR10 Trail in France: Distance Record Broken by Ultrarunner in 'Searching for the South' Documentary
In the world of endurance hiking, two remarkable individuals have made their mark. Keisuke Minami, a trail runner from Japan, and Sarah Baker, an American hiker, have both attempted to break Fastest Known Time (FKT) records on some of the most challenging trails in the world.
Keisuke Minami's story, as documented in Patagonia's film Seeking South, revolves around his attempt to break the supported FKT record on the GR10 trail. This demanding 568-mile route across the Pyrenees Mountains from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean coast in France is typically a 45-60 day hike. Minami, however, aimed to complete it in just over 9 days, aiming to beat the existing record of 9 days and 9 hours.
For Minami, this was his first attempt at an FKT, presenting a monumental test of endurance, pain management, isolation, and mental strength. The film delves not just into the physical challenge but also into Minami's internal struggles, as he is portrayed as running from personal demons and wrestling with his past, which fuels his relentless determination.
The GR10 trail, which follows the Pyrenees Mountains and gains over 183,000 vertical feet, is a daunting objective for Minami. The trail runs along France's border with Spain, offering a breathtaking but gruelling landscape. Minami's name, meaning "south" in Japanese, underlines the intimate and symbolic nature of his journey southward through the Pyrenees.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Sarah Baker embarked on her own record-breaking journey. She set a new record for the women's supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail. Baker's FKT was achieved despite facing a series of debilitating setbacks, including norovirus, a heat wave, and potential starvation.
Baker's Appalachian Trail FKT was completed under extreme weather conditions, testing her endurance, pain tolerance, and determination. Despite these challenges, she managed to set a new record for the women's supported FKT. Baker made a deal with God to help her complete the trail, and her resilience and determination paid off.
Both Minami and Baker's stories serve as a testament to the human spirit's ability to push beyond limits. Their journeys, while filled with challenges, highlight the power of determination, resilience, and the desire to overcome personal demons.
[1] Patagonia. (2020). Seeking South - Keisuke Minami. [Video] Available at: https://vimeo.com/410153845
[2] Patagonia. (2020). Sarah Baker - Appalachian Trail FKT. [Video] Available at: https://vimeo.com/405711229
[3] GR10 - Wikipedia. (2021). Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GR_10
[4] Baker, S. (2020). Seeking South - Keisuke Minami. [Blog Post] Available at: https://www.patagonia.com/eu/en/blog/stories/seeking-south-keisuke-minami/a80307.html
[5] Baker, S. (2020). Sarah Baker - Appalachian Trail FKT. [Blog Post] Available at: https://www.patagonia.com/eu/en/blog/stories/sarah-baker-appalachian-trail-fkt/a80308.html
Sports like trail running and hiking have seen remarkable feats recently. Keisuke Minami, a Japanese trail runner, attempted to break the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) record on the GR10 trail, a challenging 568-mile hike across the Pyrenees Mountains, aiming to complete it in just over 9 days. On the other side of the Atlantic, Sarah Baker, an American hiker, set a new record for the women's supported FKT on the Appalachian Trail, facing several debilitating setbacks but persevering through extreme weather conditions.
