Ultrarunner Kilian Jornet has smashed yet another record. This time on Alaska’s 20,237-foot Mount McKinley in 11 hours and 40 minutes, beating the current record by an incredible five hours. It is all a part of Jornet’s bigger plan dubbed ‘Summits of my Life‘. For the next few challenges, Jornet has his eyes s on Mt. Elbrus, Aconcagua, and Everest. Meanwhile, the Greenland Ice Expedition has ended in success. The team of Dixie Dansercoer and Eric McNair-Landry have officially become the first team to circumnavigate the country by kite-ski. They covered over 4000km and finished the expedition ahead of schedule in just 55 days.
Ocean Rower Fedor Konyukhov has successfully completed a solo row across the Pacific Ocean. From Chile to Australia the Russian explorer managed to cover the 10,439 miles in 160 days. He did so without stopping once to resupply or rest. Disappointing news for the NY2SY expedition – Scottish rower Niall Iain Macdonald has had to abandon his attempt due to injury. Macdonald was just a week into his adventure to row solo across the Atlantic when he got into difficulties and hurt his back in a fall. The TV/radio presenter was rescued by US coastguards. We wish him a speedy recovery and fingers crossed he’ll be return to finish the 3,400 mile crossing in the future.
Now, for some upcoming expeditions. Rob Candy will embark on New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail this November. Candy’s plan is to walk 3000km North to South, spending up to five months along the Pacific Ring of Fire. Already plans are in process for more attempts to ski the south Pole. In the latest solo attempt, Paula Reid is currently in training to take on the 580 mile Messner route. While out there Reid will ski and pull a 65kg pulk in temperatures of below –40°C day in, day out for up to 38 days.
And finally, the Aussie 8 Team have evolved into the New Zealand 9. Ben Southall, Luke Edwards and Pat Kinsella are in preparation for their next challenge, where they will attempt to trail run and paddle the nine great walks of New Zealand. Hitting up the Kepler Track, Milford Track, Routeburn Track, Rakiura Track, Waikaremoana Track, Tongariro Circuit, Whanganui Journey, Abel Tasman Coast Track, and the Heaphy Track. Over 500km in nine days.
Written by Orla O’Muiri | Image by Seb Montaz