Running Maine's 100 Mile Wilderness (Sub 24 Hour FKT Challenge)

On August 4th, 2023, I set out from Monson, Maine, attempting to run an unsupported fastest known time (FKT) on the vaunted 100 Mile Wilderness section of Maine's Appalachian Trail.

This section of the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail is famous for its extreme remoteness, intersected only by a few old logging roads. Due to this factor, it has recently garnered more attention from both thru-hiking and trail-running communities as a formidable test of endurance.

My goal was to complete this trail section in under 24 hours without any assistance. I would carry all my gear and food, set no resupplies, receive aid from no one, have no pacers, and take water only from the streams and rivers I passed.

Ultimately, I was able to set the fastest known time (unsupported), but I fell short of my primary goal of finishing in under 24 hours. This short video captures some of my experiences, emotions, and takeaways at various stages of the route over 29+ hours.

Please forgive my relatively poor editing skills. I brought the GoPro last minute and am still a novice at creating a coherent story and captivating visuals. However, I plan to keep improving with future projects in mind, such as a return to the 100 Mile Wilderness.

To all the outdoor enthusiasts and fkt enthusiasts, or even very specifically, the Maine backpacking community - I hope you get some entertainment out of this one. Let me know what you think!

And if you're curious to learn more about my thoughts on the 100 Mile Wilderness, check out the episode I recorded on the Singletrack Podcast about my run in August 2023.

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[runsingletrack]

Thanks for watching! Any fellow veterans (hikers or runners) of the 100 Mile Wilderness out there? I'd love to hear about your experiences on this section of the trail. I want to return ASAP for another go!! - Finn

[quirkworks]

No hype. No background music. No silliness. Just honesty and hard work. Bravo, sir.

[Kelly_Ben]

Fantastic run! The pity party was so relatable! "This is awful, why do I do this to myself!?" Then hopping on ultra sign up on the way home. 😂 I live/ hike/ run in New England, and have always wanted to check out this part of the AT. Looking forward to more of your adventures, in addition to your podcasts!

[samholder]

I have SUCH vivid memories of this from my SOBO thru in 2007. Took us 17 days lol. Incredibly formative and piercingly memorable.

[chuckhazzard]

That is one kick ass section of the AT. Way to tough it out.

[RunningSchu]

I don't know you personally and yet I'm kinda proud of you as a fellow runner/human being if that makes sense 😌 Amazing challenge, the trails there just look plain tough. I love that you wanna go back right away. Best of luck!

[christopherorman]

Trail running like this really lays bare our sense of self and what comes out is sheer, unfiltered honesty. Thanks for sharing that with us (though I wonder if you would have run better in the Zegama 2s??).

[johnborton]

It's not an adventure if you know how it ends. What an effort. Kudos.

[codyrobinson]

Solid effort and what a fun way to follow along. It was cool to watch you rally and get er done, man. You're an inspiration, and who knows, maybe you'll return one day and get that sub 24😊 cheers, dude!

[brettrunsfar]

Love how intense and visibly present you appear in this one. Same as following your Cocodona. Radiates respect for the effort and for wild places.

[tommilam]

I don’t even know what to say. Incredible Finn, thanks for being so transparent and honest on this. Felt every step you were taking. ❤️💯

[Wookzach]

really like how you added the suffering and bad thoughts too. we all have them at some point on a run.

[scottdembowski]

Sacred ground ❤️favorite AT section. Awesome run bro

[grennangoeshiking]

Well done, not what you were looking for time wise, but still. 🎉🎉🎉

[gwilymeades]

Great video, way to keep pushing through! Especially in some trying conditions and all alone. Very inspriring!

[yorkbeachrunner]

Wow🎉impressive! So beautiful! And rugged! And rocky! Great job! Love that you already want to go back!thx for filming it🎉

[hanssaunders]

Proud of you, Finn. This is very inspirational.

[jtcollins]

EPIC. This is tremendous. Thanks and nicely done.

[sebastianchiu]

great video finn, thanks for sharing the adventure with us!

[matthewmcguire]

Great stuff. I'm renting a lean-to at Baxter State Park mid August and planning a double traverse jog/hike of Katahdin. If you're interested let me know!