Kilian Jornet's 'States of Elevation' Challenge: A Record-Breaking Journey
Kilian Jornet, renowned for his speed and endurance in ultrarunning and mountaineering, embarked on a unique challenge called 'States of Elevation'. Sponsored by MARC O’POLO, this project saw Jornet visit various US states to climb their highest peaks, pushing his limits in extreme endurance running.
Jornet began his journey in 2016, starting with New Hampshire where he conquered Mount Washington, the state's highest point. His challenge wasn't just about speed; it was about connecting with the land and people at a slower pace. Last year, Jornet proved his prowess by climbing all 82 of the Alps' 4,000-meter peaks in record time, taking just 19 days.
In 'States of Elevation', Jornet covered about 629 miles on foot and 2,568 miles by bike. He started at Longs Peak in Colorado, climbed all 56 of the state's Fourteeners, then moved on to California and Washington. In total, he connected 72 peaks across these United States, traveling almost 3,198 miles and climbing 403,638 feet in 31 days. On average, Jornet covered roughly 103 miles and climbed 13,021 feet per day.
Kilian Jornet's 'States of Elevation' challenge was a testament to his endurance and adaptability. Starting with New Hampshire and culminating in a journey across Colorado, California, and Washington DC, Jornet's feat was not just about setting records but also about connecting with the land and people at a deeper level.
