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Post by trevorjames on Dec 3, 2013 2:49:59 GMT -5
Thinking about completing a run of the Ozark Trail (230ish miles) for a fastest time. Looks like it can be a North/South or a South/North. Anyone have any suggestions as to which directions. I have been on several different sections of this trail but have yet to through hike it. Want to go epic on it and try it all at once even though I know I will skip by some of the beauty the area has to offer. Not seeing much activity out there on this trail, anyone attempted the run before. I am looking at being supported by wife in late Spring. Gotta ask permission from aforementioned wife prior to all planning. Anyone else interested? I am not a speedster but excited to give it a shot. Had a run in with a bear on my first backpacking trip there and am in love with the area even though I am living in North Missouri now.
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Post by Jemal Swoboda on Jul 16, 2014 18:37:24 GMT -5
Cool to hear about your plan. I've done some work on the Ozark with OTA who do trail work projects throughout the year. The OTA folks might have more information. I know they are working to connect certain sections to allow for a thru-hike (or run).
Keep me posted on your plans, I'd love to join you for a portion of the run.
Jemal Swoboda, St. Louis, Missouri
jay@ecourbanstl.com
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Post by trevorjames on Jul 31, 2014 4:48:09 GMT -5
Jemal:
Thanks for the reply. It is funny to look back and see what has changed. The plan is still on but I am looking at middle/maybe later April 2015. Things are coming together nicely. I will send you an email with some more information as the time draws near. Thanks for the interest.
Trevor
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Post by aroth87 on Jul 31, 2014 15:09:51 GMT -5
I'm a volunteer and crew leader with the OTA and as far as I know we don't have any records for FKT or even a list of thru-hikers. There was a post on BPL a couple years back from a guy who backpacked it in nine days and that's the fastest I've heard of. There are very few reports of any thru-hikes but the one's I've heard are around two weeks. Right now the "official" thru-hike is from Onandoga Cave SP in the north to FS 4155 in the south. That's the longest connected section without any significant road walks at 230.8 miles. We put some info together for potential thru hikers you might find useful too. I'd go South to North, you get the harder stuff out of the way first. There's more rocks and hills in the south. And late April or early May would be a great time weather-wise to do it. The temperature should be nice and there will be plenty of water in the creeks and if you're lucky the mosquitoes and ticks won't be out. Although I got a tick in March this year so you never know. If you have any other questions let me know. Adam |
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Post by trevorjames on Aug 4, 2014 23:53:09 GMT -5
Thanks Adam. I just ordered all of my maps from the OT site so they should be on the way. Yeah, after reading all of the thru-hiking stuff I could find on the site I am definately thinking S to N. I picked several cross section areas for crew stops for resupply and hope to make a trip down this winter to drive the route and hash out any difficult areas for my crew to access. Thanks for all of the info. If I think up any more questions after seeing the maps and all I will let you know.
Trevor
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Post by Michael on Nov 11, 2014 16:28:11 GMT -5
I also have been thinking about an FKT "thru-hike" run of the OT, I checked on here and discovered there aren't any records currently. I also saw that there may be an attempt in the future, April '14 by trevorjames. Trevor I have a question for you, what kind of support, if any, do you plan on receiving? What kind of time? I was surprised actually to see that there wasn't a current record and even more surprised to see that there is a future record attempt possibly happening at around the same time I am looking. I don't want to undercut your aspirations or try and beat you out before you get a chance. I'm here to say that I am also planning for this attempt myself and would like some feedback. Thanks
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Post by jon on Sept 15, 2015 0:48:09 GMT -5
did any of this ever materialize?
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Post by Trevor James on Sept 15, 2015 6:48:54 GMT -5
So far no. This has not materialized. I have my plans all together but had a set back. Still interested in giving it a go. As for my attempt it will be fully supported. May go for next spring but have to see what life has in store then.
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Post by thebriankearney on Apr 27, 2016 15:45:56 GMT -5
I'm starting a S-N self-supported (one resupply via mail drop) thru tomorrow. It looks like Lucas Boyer has the fastest time I could find at 9 days. See here: backpackinglight.com/winters_tone_sights_sounds_moods_ozark_trail/My current itinerary is for about 10 days, which would be short of the record, but I'll report back in case I feel great out there and decide to push it. Wish me luck. Brian Kearney |
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Post by aroth87 on Apr 28, 2016 9:27:27 GMT -5
Good luck Brian! I've got a big trip planned on the OT for this fall but it won't likely be a thru hike.
I'm interested to hear to hear how your mail drop goes, there aren't many towns close to the trail. I'd be inclined to cache some supplies at one of the campgrounds or road crossings if I needed a resupply. Can't wait to hear about your trip!
Adam
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Post by thebriankearney on May 4, 2016 9:16:12 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I had to get off the trail after about 130 miles. I twisted my knee too many times, and it got too painful to continue.
My pace felt good, and I think I was on pace to qualify for the self-supported FKT. I started from the 4155 terminus at about 4:00 pm on Thursday, and I was planning on finishing up early on Friday. Finishing up late Thursday was possible as the trail was getting flatter and smoother as I moved north.
I sent a food drop to Brushy Creek Lodge, but I bailed out a few miles short of reaching it. So, I don't have an educated opinion on how well that approach works.
I had a blast, and I enjoyed the parts of the trail I did hike. Maybe I'll give it another go in the future.
Brian
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Post by thebriankearney on Oct 1, 2017 13:02:18 GMT -5
I'll be attempting an unsupported FKT of the Ozark Trail, 4155 to Ozark Outdoors. I'll be carrying all my food along the way with no caches or maildrops. I'll be using a SPOT device for tracking and verification, which I'll make public here after my trip.
Brian
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Post by fast51 on Oct 9, 2017 22:04:11 GMT -5
Good luck Brian, looking forward to seeing how it plays out for ya!
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Post by archcitychamp on Oct 13, 2017 14:14:18 GMT -5
Good luck Brian! When is your attempt taking place?
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Post by thebriankearney on Oct 17, 2017 16:04:31 GMT -5
I ended up going too slow on this attempt. I just wasn't in shape for it and started slowing down dramatically after 3 days or ~100 miles. I think I made a mistake by starting at the 4155 trailhead with the full pack of food. I thought I'd accelerate as I went, but the hills and rougher terrain ate me up. If I ever make another attempt (unlikely), I'd have to get into better shape and then I'd also start in the north so I'd have a lighter pack for the rougher southern section. Good luck to anyone who gives this a go.
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