AFTER 223km in just three days, Chris Macaskill-Hants has been crowned the new king of the Larapinta Trail.
After years of dreaming about it while taking tourists on trips, and hours of rigorous training, the exercise science student has succeeded in fulfilling his dream.
Mr Macaskill-Hants completed the 12 sections of the trail in 61 hours and 32 minutes – the fastest ever recorded.
But it was no easy feat.
“It was as hard as I expected and yet I had no reference of how hard it would be – it was excruciating,” Mr Macaskill-Hants said.
“It’s a bit surreal – sort of one of those things, while you’re in it it’s so intense but then it’s over and it’s fleeting.”
The 223km have taken their toll on his body.
“I ruptured some ligaments in my foot on the second day,” Mr Macaskill-Hants said.
“The first day was really excruciating mentally.
“The second day was the biggest physical challenge, and the last day I was just gritting my teeth to finish it off.
“I went through some pretty dark places physically and mentally over the three days, its hard to believe it’s done.”