Fastest Known Times
Records Made to be Broken

Established in 2000 as a concept by Buzz Burrell, Peter Bakwin and Jeff Schuler, Fastest Known Times (FKTs) – the record time for any kind of course, but generally of long distances and often in remote locations – are a growing phenomenon. Speed records on varied and oft-surprising routes, they can be plotted, run and broken by anyone – or at least those with the grit to take them on (and record them on their GPS device). Spurred on by the coronavirus pandemic, which saw marathons and other long-distance events cancelled, recognized FKTs cover everything from iconic trails, like the UK’s Pennine Way and the Appalachian Trail in the USA, to remote routes in Nepal, Mongolia and Namibia.

This is the first book on FKTs and the routes and superhumans who have conquered them, collecting the most iconic, impressive and interesting FKT routes in a single volume. The contents – a mixture of A, B and C routes – has been carefully selected by the ‘Father of FKT’, Buzz Burrell: ultrarunner, former FKT holder and co-founder of the original FKT site, where all new records are logged and archived. Burrell once hitchhiked some 80 miles (123 kilometres) from his home in Boulder, Colorado – returning along remote trails with scarcely more than a straw hat and a credit card in hand. It took him two days. His embodies the spirit of a sport that requires determination, resourcefulness and a love of moving through the great outdoors.

From spectacular locations and stunning photography to the stories behind ambitious FKT attempts and training tips from those who’ve run them – including sporting greats like Jasmin Paris, the first female finisher of the Barkley Marathons, and multiple Western States 100 and UTMB winner Jim Walmsley – this highly visual and information-rich book will inspire runners and hikers everywhere to get outdoors, tackle new and surprising routes and to connect with fellow athletes. The specially commissioned infographics and route-mapping make this an inspirational, aspirational and complete guide to FKT.