Tara Dower has set a new overall fastest known time (FKT) for the iconic US trail at 40 days, 18 hours, and 6 minutes. 

 

The 31-year-old ultra runner and long-distance hiker from North Carolina, affectionately known as Candy Mama, finished this epic feat late on Saturday 21st of September 2024, beating the previous record by a whopping 13 hours. 

The Appalachian Trail is a famous thru-hike from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Main, crossing 14 states and extending 3,450km. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy estimates that over three million people walk a portion of the A.T each year, while 25% of thru-hikers successfully finish the whole trail. 

 

Tara Dower at the end of the trail | @tara.dower

A Trailblazer for Women

Dower’s record, completed in a southbound direction, sets an inspirational precedent for all runners, but particularly women. 

‘I know it seems daunting, but I think more women should go after this record. I truly believe women have – I’ve said it before – we have a special gift of endurance’, Dower said in a Singletrack Podcast interview. Former northbound record-holder and friend, Liz Derstine, told Outside that before Tara there were only ten people who had completed the trail in less than 50 days, and only one woman. 

Dower also exceeded her $20,000 USD fundraising goal for Girls on the Run, a US non-profit dedicated to improving young girls’ mental and physical health and building their confidence.

An Invaluable Crew

Dower was supported by a small crew of just her mother and hiking friend Rascall. However, Dower’s social media reveals up to 60 people joined to help pace throughout this extreme endurance test, overcoming initial mileage setbacks due to weather.

‘I had people on my crew who believed in my abilities and pushed me to my limits. That’s all it was. Every day waking up, getting on trail doing my best and trusting @chumpchangefkt‘, (her crew), Dower said on her Instagram page.

 

Feature image thanks to @tara.dower

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Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain

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Come enjoy a classic 6 hour Paddy Pallin rogaine that is only a short drive from Sydney or Canberra! We’ll be using our navigation skills to explore stunning native forest. There will be plenty of route options for all ages,...

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Belangoloopy – Paddy Pallin Intro Rogain, NSW Rogaining

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