Supportive Companionship in Kilian Jornet’s States of Elevation Project
In the competitive world of endurance sports, where every second matters, it’s not uncommon to witness exceptional feats of human strength and endurance. However, a recent outing with my longtime friend Kilian Jornet felt notably special. Kilian, renowned for his trail running prowess, embarked on a truly monumental personal project: the States of Elevation. The goal? To summit all publicly accessible 14,000-foot mountains, or 14ers, in the lower 48 states of the U.S. during the fall of 2025, utilizing foot and bicycle for connections.
Setting the Scene: Handies Peak
On that Tuesday, I joined Kilian for a segment of this undertaking, specifically to climb Handies Peak, the highest point on the Hardrock 100 course and the nearest 14er to my home in Colorado’s breathtaking San Juan Mountains. My day began with a drive to Grouse Gulch, followed by a 10-mile run over Cinnamon Pass to the Grizzly Gulch Trailhead, where I would meet Kilian and his support crew.
Upon arrival, I was informed about a change in his schedule. Kilian had summited Uncompahgre and Wetterhorn Peaks before adjusting his route to cycle towards Redcloud and Sunshine Peaks. This adaptability is a hallmark of Kilian’s character; he remains inventive and capable, having demonstrated grit in past events, including winning Hardrock with one arm in a sling after a fall.
First Impressions
As Kilian jogged into the trailhead parking lot, his casual demeanor struck me. Casual attire, a warm smile, and the crunching of peanut M&Ms between bites of a sandwich painted the picture of someone deeply connected to the mountains. Despite his 11 hours of movement earlier in the day and the fact that he was two weeks into an extensive project, he radiated an easy confidence and joy.
Not wanting to appear unprepared, I nervously stepped alongside Kilian, Nick (his photographer), and Preston, ready for our ascent. Despite my apprehension about climbing with an elite athlete, Kilian quickly set a jovial tone, playfully sprinting up the first incline only to slow and smile back at me — clearly aware of my concerns.
Revisiting the Past
As we ascended, the elevation climbed alongside our memories. I reminisce about my first meeting with Kilian during his maiden trip to the United States in 2009, when he sought to claim the fastest known time (FKT) on the Tahoe Rim Trail. At that time, despite a respectable fitness level, I quickly found myself outpaced by this tremendous athlete. Sixteen years later, my fitness level has changed dramatically, but Kilian continues to thrive at the top of his game.
A Climbing Experience
We transitioned from a gentle meadow to the rugged ridges near 13,000 feet. The mesmerizing landscape captured my attention, and Nick paused to film the moment as I attempted to articulate the scene. With Kilian already far ahead, my challenge was not only to catch up but to savor the breathtaking surroundings that would be new to me this year.
Stunning Sunset and Shared Memories
As we closed in on the summit, I heard familiar voices calling from above — Meghan Hicks and Anna Frost cheering us on. After a joyful reunion at the peak, we collectively absorbed the stunning sunset, a moment shared with expertly crafted snacks courtesy of Anna. Not even the professional photographer with us could deter Kilian from capturing his own version of the sunset, embodying his ever-present appreciation for nature.
The Descent and Reflections
On our descent from Handies Peak, a sense of camaraderie enveloped us. The years passed, and the friendships formed through shared struggles and triumphs became palpable. Collectively, we realized that we had completed numerous Hardrock ultramarathon races throughout our journeys — a testament to time well spent in the mountains.
Preparing for the Next Adventure
As we reached the trailhead back at Grouse Gulch, the sun dipped below the horizon. Kilian greeted a crew member and local adventurer, Scott Simmons, who would join him for the upcoming legs of his mountain odyssey. Yet another significant challenge awaited Kilian: cycling over challenging dirt roads to Ouray, even after 14 hours of activity. His enthusiasm for the States of Elevation project is infectious, a testament to his mastery and passion for the sport.
Conclusion
Kilian’s journey signifies much more than summiting peaks; it symbolizes profound moments of camaraderie, breathtaking nature, and an athlete’s commitment to pushing boundaries. As we anticipate 2025, the excitement surrounding Kilian’s States of Elevation project grows, heralding a season filled with inspiration, adventure, and the thrill of human potential. For those eager to witness these extraordinary feats, staying informed through platforms such as iRunFar will provide the latest insights and developments.
