From the inspiring to the tragic, ‘Adventure News of the Week’ presents a wrap-up of top news in the world of exploration and adventure.
RECORD: Lithuanian Runner Sets 2 Running Records. Lithuanian runner Aleksandr Sorokin set two new world records on Saturday for the 100-mile and 12-hour run. He ran the 100-mile distance in 11:14:56 (Zach Bitter set the previous record of 11:19:18 in 2019), and a distance of 105 miles for the 12-hour world record.
FKT: Speed Mountaineer Attempts Bike-to-Summit FKT in the Alps. Dynafit managing director and athlete Benedikt Böhm will attempt a new FKT of the Big Triple — summitting Grand Combin (Switzerland), Gran Paradiso (Italy), and Mont Blanc (France) in under 30 hours, without motorized assistance. He’ll start the attempt later this week, biking to and from each summit to complete the endeavor.
Editorial update: about an hour after we announced this FKT attempt, it was canceled due to a fatality on the Dynafit guide team on Grand Combin. Böhm will no longer be attempting this FKT out of respect for the fallen team member.
SKI: Prosthesis User Completes First ‘Disabled Descent’ of Grand Teton. Last week, Santi Vega climbed and skied down the Grand Teton in Jackson, Wyo., via the Ford Stettner Couloir. Local guide Mark Smiley accompanied Vega.
“This accomplishment is huge in reframing what being disabled means. As disabled or adaptive athletes, we are always questioned about our ability compared to non-disabled athletes,” said fellow adaptive skier Vasu Sojitra. “Sharing narratives like the ‘First Disabled Descent of the Grand’ can help break down those stigmas with our world and empower the disability community.”
Vega was born with fibular hemimelia on his right leg and uses a prosthesis custom made for ski mountaineering. He started ski racing at age 14 and competed in the Olympics at age 16 for Chile.
EVENT: The Lady Alliance to Host Virtual ‘Adventure Safety Festival.” The Lady Alliance, a community organization that provides opportunities for women to find empowerment through adventure, is back with another virtual festival.
This year’s festival, starting on April 29 (free with registration), focuses on the topic of safety while climbing.
