Michelino Sunseri | Grand Teton FKT & The Aftermath
Jan 15, 2025
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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.
Michelino Sunseri broke the Grand Teton FKT, achieving a personal goal while igniting debates about the ethics of route selection.
The backlash from the trail running community following Michelino's unofficial route decision led to legal scrutiny and rejection of his record.
Despite the controversy, Michelino remains focused on future races and aims to foster constructive dialogue about FKT ethics and trail access.
Deep dives
Michelino Censeri's Historic FKT Attempt
Michelino Censeri, a professional mountain runner, achieved a significant personal milestone by breaking the existing Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the Grand Teton in September 2024, a record held for 12 years. His time of 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds initially brought him immense joy, having been a goal he had pursued for years. However, the attempt raised ethical questions due to his decision to take an unofficial climbers' trail during descent, diverging from the recognized route. This choice ignited a controversy surrounding FKT ethics, leading to debates about the legitimacy of his record, despite his impressive physical accomplishment.
The Aftermath and Controversy
The aftermath of Michelino's record attempt sparked significant backlash, culminating in the rejection of his FKT by the Fastest Known Time organization and scrutiny from the National Park Service. Their objections stemmed from the use of the unofficial trail, raising concerns about adherence to established routes within the canyon. This led to legal implications, including charges against him that could potentially carry severe penalties. The controversy highlighted a divide within the running community regarding the ethics of FKTs and the interpretation of rules surrounding them.
Ethics and Community Perspectives
Discussions surrounding the ethics of FKTs have intensified, especially in regards to routes like the Grand Teton. Many in the trail running community argue about what constitutes a justified route, particularly when historical precedents exist, as with Michelino's choice. Notably, past record holders, including Killian Jornay, utilized similar paths, which complicates the evaluation of Michelino's decision. This discourse emphasizes the nuances and varying interpretations of FKT rules, showcasing how subjective opinions can influence perceptions of fair competition.
Legal Challenges and Community Support
The legal ramifications of Michelino's choice to deviate from the official route have led to serious consequences, with ongoing court proceedings set for May 2025. As he navigates this challenging situation, Michelino has received unwavering support from friends and fellow athletes who share his passion for the mountains. Despite the burden of potential criminal charges, which could include a hefty fine and prohibition from trail access, he seeks constructive dialogue with the National Park Service. His experience has galvanized a portion of the running community who advocate for clarity and fairness regarding trail access and FKT standardization.
Future Aspirations and Reflections
Despite the tumultuous aftermath of his FKT attempt, Michelino remains resilient, focusing on future races and potential new challenges. His recent podium finish at Ultra Trail Cape Town demonstrates his competitive spirit and commitment to his craft, reinforcing his status as a formidable athlete. He has set his sights on notable upcoming events, including the Canyon’s 100K, while contemplating whether he will attempt the Grand Teton again under scrutinized conditions. Through this journey, Michelino expresses hope for bringing positive changes to trail ethics and accessibility, aiming to foster dialogue rather than divisions within the trail running community.
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.
