Post by vincer on Sept 23, 2013 1:28:49 GMT -5
I've decided I'd like to do a run which starts at sea level in Hilo, HI, and ends at the summit of Mauna Kea a few hundred yards from the observatories at 13,796. I did the obligatory web search, as well as here on FKT and found nothing. However, in an email correspondence with Big Island local runner Rick Otani, he identified one previous ascent as follows: "I know a UCLA XC runner did it a few years ago and it took him somewhere around 12 hrs". I also talked with "Joe" (didn't get his last name, but will) at the Ranger Stations/Visitor Center, who said that a guy who was a former Olympic swimmer that had been paralyzed in an accident did it a few years ago on his wheel-chair in two days. I will see if I can get the details (names, dates, etc) and I'll post them here. I'm attempting this on 9/25/13, in a "self-supported" run by pre-placing water/food stashes along the roadside. I'll be documenting it via photos and video, and GPS for as long as my watch will last 
Please let me know if you know of any others who've done this run, thanks!
Epic fail on the attempt today (9/24/13)... I've posted a synopsis at ultraoldguy.blogspot.com. Suffice to say, the weather and I had a major disagreement. Wasn't exactly prepared for epic rain and wind Hope to see some other folks attempt this as well! It's a very unique option to run from sea-level to 13,796' in one push. I won't be back here for a couple years.
Please let me know if you know of any others who've done this run, thanks!Epic fail on the attempt today (9/24/13)... I've posted a synopsis at ultraoldguy.blogspot.com. Suffice to say, the weather and I had a major disagreement. Wasn't exactly prepared for epic rain and wind
Hope to see some other folks attempt this as well! It's a very unique option to run from sea-level to 13,796' in one push. I won't be back here for a couple years.