Michelino Sunseri | Grand Teton FKT & The Aftermath

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Jan 15, 2025

Michelino Sunseri, a professional runner from Driggs, ID, made headlines by breaking the Grand Teton FKT in 2024, using a controversial route. He delves into the complexities of FKT ethics, sharing the challenges he faced after his record was rejected due to a legal dispute with the National Park Service. Michelino reflects on his emotional journey, the history of FKTs, and the supportive running community amid scrutiny. The conversation reveals the thin line between triumph and controversy in the world of competitive trail running.

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ANECDOTE

Grand Teton Inspiration

Michelino's interest in the Grand Teton FKT began in 2020, but his friend advised against attempting it immediately.
During a Teton Crest Trail FKT attempt, he was inspired by the view and decided to move to the Tetons.

ANECDOTE

Route Familiarity

Michelino has been projecting the Grand Teton route for years, accumulating over 300 hours on it.
He's become so familiar with the route that he's named many of the rocks along the way.

ANECDOTE

Historical Route Disputes

The Grand Teton has a history of route disputes, dating back to arguments over the first ascent.
Even the earliest recorded ascents are likely preceded by Native American climbs.

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Michelino Sunseri is a professional runner living in Driggs, ID. In September 2024, Michelino broke the existing FKT on the Grand Teton, held for 12 years by Andy Anderson - one of the longest standing and most iconic up/down speed records in mountain running. During the attempt, Michelino made the strategic decision to take the "Old Climber's Trail," deviating from the official route for a period during the descent.

Michelino managed to lower the existing FKT by a little over 2mins, finishing in 2:50:50. A few days after the run, controversy emerged as it related to Michelino's decision to use the Old Climber's Trail, creating a debate about FKT ethics and whether Michelino deserved to retain the record even though he used a slightly different route from the previous record holder.

A week later, on September 9th, Fastest Known Time officially rejected the record based on objections from the National Park Service based again on Michelino's decision to use the Old Climber's Trail instead of staying on the officially recognized route.

On September 25, 2024, the NPS charged Michelino under 36 CFR 2.1(b) with an initial court appearance, a statute that carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or six months in jail.

In this podcast, we discuss the history of FKTs on the Grand Teton, including Michelino's personal history projecting the route. We talk through the ethics of FKTs and the grey area that exists and that this event revealed. We discuss the rejection of his FKT and the subsequent legal squabble that has ensued.

Please visit the following links to learn more:

Michelino's Strava file from the attempt

Grand Teton FKT page

Written recap of the timeline

Petition to drop the charges against Michelino

Anton & Kilian video from 2012

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