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. Here’s what you missed this weekend, and a few things to look forward to.
Renowned ultra-runner Scott Jurek is back on the 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, attempting to retake the fastest known time. Jurek previously set a supported FKT on the AT back in 2015 and traveling northbound in 46 days, 8 hours, and 7 minutes. But 3 years later, Karel Sabbe set the still-standing record of 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes. Now, Jurek is back, hoping to best Sabbe’s mark. He can be tracked via the Somewear app.
Wisconsin native and Team USA runner Molly Seidel stunned the world late last week when she finished the Tokyo Olympic marathon in 2:27:46, earning bronze. Check out an exclusive interview with Seidel at iRunFar.
Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir, who holds the world record for the women’s half marathon, took gold with a time of 2:27:20. Kenyan runner Brigid Kosgei, who holds the marathon world record, took silver with a time of 2:27:36. Check out the Men’s Marathon results.
Team USA also claimed gold medals in a few more athletics disciplines: notably, the women’s and men’s 4x400m relays, women’s 800m track, women’s pole vaulting and discus, and men’s shot put.
Last week, Neil Beltchenko won the 2021 Colorado Trail Race. Beltchenko completed the 526.5-mile self-supported bikepacking race in a time of 4 days, 3 hours, and 7 minutes, riding a Salsa Cycles Spearfish.
In other news, Life Time acquired the Sea Otter Classic, North America’s largest consumer cycling event. “Life Time is invested in bikes as a solution to many of life’s health challenges and will use Sea Otter to continue to show the bike industry, riders, and its members that cycling is a wonderful path to a healthy way of life,” Life Time wrote.
Modern Family star Julie Bowen became a real star when she helped rescue a hiker who had fainted and fallen in Arches National Park.
