Hiker Smashed Speed Record on Appalachian Trail

Tara Dower, a 31-year-old ultrarunner and long-distance hiker, has set a new speed record for completing the Appalachian Trail. On October 5, 2024, she reached Springer Mountain in Georgia, finishing the 2,197-mile journey in an impressive 40 days, 18 hours, and 5 minutes.

This achievement marks a significant milestone in the world of endurance sports. Dower’s time surpasses the previous record by approximately 13 hours, which was held by Belgian runner Karel Sabbe since 2018. Her accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it returns the overall record to a female athlete for the first time since 2015.

Dower’s path to this remarkable feat was not straightforward. Her first attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail in 2017 ended after just 80 miles due to anxiety issues. Undeterred, she returned in 2019 and completed the entire trail in about five months with her husband.

The progression of Dower’s hiking and running career is impressive:

1. 2019: Completed first full Appalachian Trail thru-hike
2. 2020: Set speed record on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (1,175 miles)
3. 2021: Won four ultra-marathons
4. 2022: Set course record for Devil Dog 100-miler
5. 2022: Set new record for the 300-mile Benton MacKaye Trail
6. 2022: Broke women’s record on the 567-mile Colorado Trail
7. 2023: Won North Carolina’s Umstead 100-miler
8. 2023: Finished fourth in Colorado’s Hardrock 100
9. 2024: Set new overall speed record on the Appalachian Trail

Dower’s preparation for the Appalachian Trail record attempt was intense. She chose to focus on extreme endurance training rather than resting her legs. This approach included participating in challenging races like the Hardrock 100 just a month before starting her record attempt.

During her record-breaking journey, Dower maintained a consistent pace. She often hiked slower than the previous record holder but covered more total miles each day. This strategy emphasized endurance over speed, proving that steady progress can lead to extraordinary results.

Dower’s support team was small but effective. Her mother, Debbie Komlo, and friend Megan Wilmarth provided crucial assistance throughout the journey. They managed Dower’s sleep schedule, ensuring she got to bed by 10 P.M. and woke up at 3 A.M. daily. The team also focused on nutrition, providing Dower with up to 10,000 calories per day.

Dower’s achievement goes beyond personal gain. She used her journey to raise funds for Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization that promotes physical education for young girls. By the time she reached Springer Mountain, she had raised $21,000, exceeding her initial goal of $20,000.

Throughout her record-breaking hike, Dower maintained a positive attitude. She often joked about the challenges she faced, such as swallowing bugs or dealing with foot sores caused by rainy conditions in New England. This lighthearted approach to such a grueling task is a testament to her mental strength and character.

Dower’s accomplishment is not just about breaking a record. It represents the potential for growth and the power of perseverance. From a hiker who once struggled with anxiety to a record-setting endurance athlete, her journey inspires others to push their limits and pursue their goals.

The Appalachian Trail, spanning 14 states, presents numerous challenges:

1. Varied terrain
2. Unpredictable weather
3. Physical exhaustion
4. Mental fatigue
5. Wildlife encounters
6. Navigation difficulties

Overcoming these obstacles requires not only physical preparation but also mental resilience. Dower’s success demonstrates the importance of both aspects in achieving such a monumental goal.

This record-breaking feat has garnered attention in the ultrarunning and hiking communities. It showcases the evolving landscape of endurance sports and the increasing prominence of female athletes in these challenging pursuits.

Dower’s achievement on the Appalachian Trail sets a new benchmark for future athletes. It challenges the limits of human endurance and inspires others to test their own boundaries. As the sport of ultra-endurance hiking continues to grow, Dower’s name will undoubtedly be remembered as a trailblazer in the field.