Overview
FKT (Fastest Known Time) refers to speed records on hiking trails, mountain routes, or endurance challenges. The grassroots movement formalized through FastestKnownTime.com (founded 2013), which tracks and verifies records across categories: supported, self-supported, and unsupported.
The Three Categories
- Unsupported: No outside help (self-carry all supplies)
- Self-Supported: Accept help only at public facilities
- Supported: Crew provides aid and supplies
These distinctions prevent apples-to-oranges comparisons and maintain competitive integrity.
Iconic FKTs
Notable records include Jennifer Pharr Davis’s Appalachian Trail FKT (46 days 11 hours, 2011), Karel Sabbe’s Pacific Crest Trail FKT (52 days 8 hours, 2016), and Courtney Dauwalter’s Moab 240 domination (2:39 hour lead, 2017).
The Strava Effect
Strava’s segment leaderboards popularized micro-FKTs on local trails, while FastestKnownTime.com curated significant long-distance records. The movement appealed to runners seeking competition without race entry fees.
Sources
- FastestKnownTime.com (founded 2013 by Peter Bakwin)
- Jennifer Pharr Davis AT FKT (2011)
- Karel Sabbe PCT FKT (2016)