On June 7, French trail runner Aurélien Sanchez set out from the Mexican border with a lofty goal: to be the fastest person ever to finish the Pacific Crest Trail. On July 23 — 46 days, 12 hours, and 50 minutes later — he accomplished the 2,650-mile feat from Mexico to Canada with 16 hours to spare.
The previous record was set in 2023 by Belgian runner Karel Sabbe, who had smashed the standing PCT record by five days.
Sanchez and his support team posted frequent updates on social media documenting his progress, and launched a website where fans could track his GPS location on the trail in real time. To break the record, he needed to average around 57 miles per day.
According to an article in the SF Chronicle, he was behind schedule heading into the final weeks, but was able to increase his daily average to 59 miles to overcome Sabbe’s pace.
“This record wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my family, friends, partners, and everyone who encouraged me throughout this adventure,” Sanchez wrote on his website. “A huge thank you for your trust, your messages, and your energy. This record is yours too.”
While most of the time he was focusing on running, eating, or sleeping, Sanchez said that when he had time to take in the scenery, the landscapes were “breathtaking.” He wrote that he only had time for a couple of showers during the trip.
Sanchez, from Toulouse, France, also set the speed record on the 211-mile John Muir Trail in 2018. Additionally, he is among the few who have completed the infamous Barkley Marathons in Tennessee — a 100-mile ultramarathon with more than 60,000 feet of elevation change and a 60-hour time limit.
According to Fastest Known Time — the de facto arbiter for trail running records — Sanchez’s PCT feat is pending verification as they review his GPS track and photo evidence.
