Professional runner Tara Dower recently set a new record for the fastest known time for running the entire length of the Appalachian Trail, completing the roughly 2,200-mile trail in about 40 days. Dower, who comes from Boulder, Colorado, had previously hiked the trail in five months and 10 days in 2019 before attempting to break the speed record. Being a lifelong runner, Dower was already in great shape, but she still found the challenge mentally and physically demanding.
Dower ran about 75-80% of the trail with a pacer, but there were times when she struggled mentally due to sleep deprivation and hallucinations. Despite having her mom and crew chief to support her throughout the journey, Dower still encountered difficulties, including tripping and falling numerous times. Consuming about 300 calories per hour while running, she relied on her crew to provide her with the necessary fuel and support to keep going.
The rugged and technical terrain in states like Maine and New Hampshire posed significant challenges to Dower during her record-breaking run. Despite this, after 40 days, 18 hours, and five minutes, she successfully completed the entire trail and beat the previous record set by Karel Sabbe in 2018. Dower admitted that she didn’t fully believe she would achieve the record until the very end, given the physical toll the journey had taken on her.
Following her achievement, Dower stated that she is dealing with some brain fog and a glute injury as she focuses on recovery. She plans to indulge in more ice cream and rest to allow her body to heal. Dower views the crew that supported her during the run as essential to her success, helping her to stay fueled and cared for throughout the challenging journey.
Overall, Dower’s remarkable accomplishment has set a new standard for completing the Appalachian Trail in record time. Her dedication, mental toughness, and physical endurance have been inspiring to many in the running and outdoor adventure communities. Despite the hardships she faced during the journey, Dower’s persistence and determination ultimately led to her success in setting a new fastest known time for running the entire length of the iconic trail.
