Scott Jurek Attempts to Break Appalachian Trail Speed Record

Scott Jurek, NY Times Best Selling author of Eat and Run, and highly accomplished ultra-marathoner, recently set out to break the assisted Appalachian Trail speed record, as first reported by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine.  The current speed record is held by Jennifer Pharr Davis, at 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes.

After just two days, the 41-year-old Boulder, CO resident is already more than 100-miles into his journey.  He will need to best Pharr Davis’ 47 mile-per-day average in order to accomplish the feat, which he aims to finish by early July.

(Update: Scott Jurek Breaks Appalachian Trail Speed Record)

Jurek is not the first to go after Pharr Davis’ record, although he is certainly the most high profile. Jurek received a massive boost to his popularity after being profiled in Christopher McDougall’s wildly popular Born to Run.  Additionally, Jurek’s ultramarathon resume features an extensive list of accomplishments including winning the Spartathlon 153-mile race three consecutive times, the Western States Endurance Run seven consecutive times, and the Badwater Ultramarathon twice.

For more information, follow Jurek’s progress on his Facebook page.