The Fastest Known Time to cover the South West Coast Path is 10 days, 12 hours and 6 minutes. Completed and set by Kristain Morgan in 2020. The route is 630 miles with undulations of 120,000ft.
Albeit way marked, there are plenty of sections that require the fullest of attentions and map reading skills to hold the correct path, especially as any one attempting the record will end up moving through the dark hours. On top of this add a labyrinth of ferry crossings to administer with precision timing to maintain momentum, a logistical maze for the support crew to navigate in and out of all the bays, valleys and headlands and you have one the hardest ultra endurance challenges in the world.
The weather is instrumental in the conditions presented underfoot and on the body. Too hot and daytime progress is inhibited. Too wet and the terrain can turn from flattened hard trails to treacherous mud where you would be forgiven for wearing ice skates. Too windy and the exposed stretches along the coastal cliff edges can knock a person sideways and backwards with ease.
To transcend, traverse and travel this route at an average of 63+ miles per day for 10 days is astounding. Truly, one of the greatest endurance accomplishments on the UK ultra bucket list of Mega Ultra Challenges.
The account of the record can be viewed here - Fastest Known Time South West Coast Path by Kristain Morgan
We know a few Madmules knocking off sections and they are enjoying it immensely. Having run 103 miles along the SWCP from Poole to the Donkey Sanctuary, Madmule can say it's a marvellous environment to train, race or enjoy a simple hike.
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