Blazing the Appalachian Trail: Sarah Baker Overpowers Norovirus, a Searing Heat, and Hunger to Set a New Speed Record
Sarah Baker Sets New Self-Supported Female Record on Appalachian Trail
Sarah Baker has made history by setting a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for a self-supported female run on the Appalachian Trail's northbound route. In an impressive feat, Baker completed the approximately 2,190-mile trail in 74 days, 4 hours, and 42 minutes, surpassing the previous record held by Heather Anderson.
Baker's journey began at the southern terminus in Georgia in April 2025. Despite facing numerous challenges, including illness and extreme weather conditions, she persevered and reached the trail's northern terminus in July 2025.
During her hike, Baker faced record-breaking heat in Pennsylvania and cold rain in Virginia's Grayson Highlands. On Day 20 of her hike, she fell ill with norovirus and spent several days stealth camping on the trail as she recovered. Despite the setback, Baker pressed on, determined to break Heather Anderson's record.
To aid her in her journey, Baker relied on a few essential items, including her LightHeart Gear rain jacket and Salt Stick Electrolyte Capsules. She also resupplied by mailing food to various locations along the trail. In Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness, Baker even begged hikers for food and was given GORP.
Baker's achievement places her on the same FKT page as Heather Anderson, Tara Dower, and Joe "Stringbean" McConaughy. It's worth noting that the gender gap has largely disappeared in these FKT categories, with Dower holding the fastest time ever for a supported Appalachian Trail record.
Prior to her Appalachian Trail hike, Baker had already earned three other FKTs on various sections of the trail. Despite her incredible accomplishment, Baker is already looking forward to future possibilities.
Meanwhile, ultrarunning legend John Kelly attempted to break the 40-day AT record while Baker was recovering from her illness. Unfortunately, Kelly's ankle injury prevented him from setting the new record, and Baker never got to meet him due to her concern about spreading illness.
It's also worth mentioning that Emily Keddie recently designed and completed the Oregon Volcanic Skyline Trail, setting the FKT on the new ultra trail.
In summary:
- Current self-supported female northbound Appalachian Trail FKT: ~54 days by Sarah Baker (2025).
- Previous record: Heather Anderson, ~54 days (2015).
This is the most authoritative and recent information available on this record. Baker's incredible determination and resilience have cemented her place in the annals of ultrarunning history.
Sarah Baker's love for sports didn't end when she reached the Appalachian Trail's northern terminus, as she's already planning her next adventure. During her trail run, Baker also enjoyed a unique form of camping, stealth camping while recovering from norovirus. Besides relying on her LightHeart Gear rain jacket and Salt Stick Electrolyte Capsules, she even resorted to begging for food in Maine's 100-Mile Wilderness.
