John Kelly is currently halfway through his ambitious attempt to reclaim the supported Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Appalachian Trail, and he’s taking the time to celebrate the little victories along the way. Among his recent milestones? Access to a real bathroom.
In a video update shared on Instagram, Kelly announced that he crossed the halfway point at mile 1,106 on day 19 of his journey. His delivery was characteristically dry yet determined. “What I’m doing now is no longer the longest thing I’ve ever done,” he stated, referring to the 1,100 miles he completed before embarking on this current adventure. The Appalachian Trail spans 2,198 miles from Georgia to Maine, featuring a staggering 460,000 feet of elevation gain, diverse terrains, and variable weather conditions.
For his latest challenge, Kelly is aiming to beat the FKT of 40 days, 18 hours, and 5 minutes, which was set in 2024 by Tara Dower. To achieve this goal, he needs to maintain an average pace of over 54 miles per day, a daunting feat that requires relentless dedication and physical endurance.
A Barkley Veteran’s Biggest Test
For those unfamiliar with Kelly, he is an accomplished ultrarunner, celebrated as a two-time finisher of the Barkley Marathons. Regarded as one of the most grueling races in the ultrarunning world, it often yields no finishers in some editions. In 2020, Kelly also set an Appalachian Trail FKT, completing it in 48 days—a record that has since been surpassed.
However, Tara Dower’s 2024 record has become the benchmark in the world of long trail FKTs. In a previous tribute, Kelly mentioned it as “possibly the most impressive FKT ever,” acknowledging the immense mental and physical resistance required to maintain such a challenging pace over an extended timeframe.
In his recent updates, Kelly has also recognized the self-supported record held by Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy, who accomplished the trail in 45 days. Unlike supported efforts, where runners can rely on a crew for supplies and accommodations, self-supported runners must rely solely on public resupply options. “I don’t think there’s any way I could do that,” Kelly admitted, referencing the mental strain of sustaining such an effort alone.
Blisters, Sleep, and Bathroom Joy
Managing the daily grind of this attempt consists of more than just running; it requires meticulous management of physical issues and mental endurance. Kelly’s crew has dealt with lingering foot problems, primarily blisters caused by persistent wet conditions. He noted that these blisters were a major concern.
However, amid the challenges, Kelly humorously highlighted a small but significant milestone in his journey: access to a functioning bathroom. “I just had a full bathroom with a toilet and a sink to wash my hands in,” he shared on Instagram, pausing with a hint of amusement. Such simple comforts serve as poignant reminders of the stripped-down reality of trail running, where adequate sleep is a luxury, and food intake becomes a constant struggle.
What’s Ahead
The second half of the Appalachian Trail poses its own set of challenges. The climbs become steeper and more arduous, especially through the New England terrain, which presents obstacles like New Hampshire’s Presidential Range and Maine’s infamous Mahoosuc Notch. Additionally, entering the third week of continuous effort takes a toll on mental fortitude.
Despite these challenges, Kelly remains focused and grounded. He shares regular updates via his Instagram and through GPS tracking on his site, randomforestrunner.com. His followers, comprising a vast community within the ultrarunning world, are keenly interested not just in his journey’s progress but also in the raw, unvarnished insights he provides into one of the sport’s most demanding records.
In the FKT community, transparency and authenticity are key, and Kelly’s updates resonate with that ethos. He articulated the stakes involved, noting that once one accepts any form of support—be it a bottle of water or even a tissue—“there’s no such thing as kind of supported.” With over 1,000 miles left and difficult terrain ahead, the future is uncertain, yet as he approaches the halfway milestone, Kelly remains committed—and, remarkably, still smiling despite the blisters.
