Joe McConaughy sets John Muir Trail supported FKT

Joe McConaughy set a new supported fastest known time on the John Muir Trail in two days and 16 hours. The ultrarunner, known as 'Stringbean,' ran the trail northbound, finishing before 6 a.m. Local time on Wednesday morning at the northern terminus in Happy Isles.

Comparison to prior record

McConaughy's time of two days and 16 hours surpassed the previous supported JMT FKT by three hours and 26 minutes. The prior men’s supported record of two days, 19 hours, and 26 minutes was set in 2017 by François D’Haene. McConaughy's achievement marks the first successful supported FKT on the trail in nine years.

Attempt history and verification

This was McConaughy's third attempt at the supported JMT FKT. He previously attempted the men’s supported record on the John Muir Trail in 2022 and 2024, both unsuccessfully. The new JMT supported FKT is pending verification.

Pace and progression during the run

McConaughy maintained an average pace of about 3.5 miles per hour, including logistical stops, naps, and resupply breaks. For the first 100 miles, his pace tracked even with François D’Haene’s prior record pace. After roughly 135 miles on Tuesday morning, McConaughy’s pace began to creep ahead. At that point, he was roughly two miles ahead of D’Haene’s pace.

By Tuesday night, which marked the start of the third night, McConaughy had completed about 185 miles and was over nine miles ahead of the record pace. Variations in his pace relative to the record likely reflected different break spots compared to D’Haene. At the finish, McConaughy’s tracker showed him approximately 13 miles ahead of the prior record pace. The final 40 miles were traveled at night and went smoothly.

Broader FKT accomplishments

With this latest record, McConaughy now holds four FKTs. He still holds the men’s unsupported north-to-south record on the John Muir Trail, set in 2022. His other records include supported fastest known times on the Appalachian Trail, the Arizona Trail, and the Long Trail.

Andy Golich noted, "A man of many names, Joe McConaughy, also known as 'Stringbean' or the 'king of FKTs,' was back in the headlines Wednesday."