This is a Premier Route. To claim an FKT on this route, you must meet a high standard of documentation and verification. See details here: https://fastestknowntime.com/premier-routes.
The Camino de Santiago consists of a set of pilgrimage routes that have existed for over 1,000 years. The routes have various starting points, but all end at the Cathedral of Santiago de Campostela in northwestern Spain. The pilgrimage is undertaken by tens of thousands every year.
Wikipedia says "Traditionally, as with most pilgrimages, the Way of Saint James [Camino de Santiago] began at one's home and ended at the pilgrimage site. However a few of the routes are considered main ones." Camino de Francés is the "spine" in the network onto witch many of the other routes link. Most Caminos north of Spain go to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (another Saint James site) and from there the Camino de Francés go to Santiago as indicated in the gpx file. The wider net of pilgrimage routes offer many challenges and some are part of the Grand Randonee (GR) network. This route is part of GR65 from Geneva to Santiago. In modern times the route is used not only for pilgrimage, but also recreational, historic/touristic and as long distance challenge. The route is now shared by hikers, runners, cyclists and horse riders.
Please note that the route is in some places shared with car traffic but since it is so well known as pilgrimage route drivers will be careful.
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Regarding FKTs, there appears to be quite a bit of controversy about this, with various reports that seem to have sketchy verification, which has been outlined on our old website. As always, we recommend people announce their intentions in advance, and carry satellite (or cell phone) trackers with the tracks being made available in real time to an independent third party.
Some of the controversy was outlined by a poster on 4/7/2014:
there's been a huge controversy in Spain's ultra-running circles and social media since November 2013 when this guy (twitter.com/SteelmanXtreme) allegedly did the Camino de Santiago (Roncesvalles - Santiago) in 5d 17h. Source: www.runandwalk.net/articulo/actualidad/quim-navarro-bate-record-camino-santiago-autosuficiencia/201312012005055160.html (in Spanish).
According to what he said to the media, he originally departed from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France and finished his so-called "challenge" in Finisterre, Spain (890 km and 14500 m+ gain) in 6d 18h 22m. He said he carried a 30-kilo backpack to make the whole thing on an unsupported fashion. Source: www.sportraining.es/2013/12/07/steelman-x-el-hombre-de-acero-de-la-ultradistancia/ (in Spanish).
He didn't report stamps from any stopover on the Camino but the last one in Finisterre (which is given to anyone who claims to have walked from Santiago to Finisterre). Nor he provided any GPS track. During his Camino, there was no way on his website or anywhere else to follow him as no On-the-Spot GPS tracker was used.
There's a whole lot of additional info about this story here (in Spanish), for those interested: www.elatleta.com/foro/showthread.php?154423-R%C3%A9cord-del-Camino-de-Santiago-(menos-de-6-d%C3%ADas)
By the way, the FKT is said to be held by Alfredo Uria, a very well-known ultra-distance runner, who did Roncesvalles - Santiago in 6d 16h in 2007. Source: www.diariodenavarra.es/actualidad/noticia.asp?not=2007051020142212&dia=20070510&seccion=navarra&seccion2=sociedad (in Spanish).
Another remarkable time is held by Fernanda Maciel, who did it in 2012 from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in just over 10 days. Source: trailrunningspain.wordpress.com/2012/10/12/the-camino-by-fernanda-maciel-900km-of-trail-running-in-10-days-whiteflow-from-st-jean-pied-de-port-to-santiago-along-the-way-of-saint-james/ plus Video and Interview with split times and stages (in Spanish).
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EDIT January 2023
This is the full "Camino francés" available on the web.
Comments
Special mention to Agnieszka Pamula, who missed the FKT by just about 10 hours, July 14-23, 2019.
Hello, Why is not there Marcio Villar (Brasil) and last one Miguel Mataix (Spain)? That did it in August 2018 in 6d and 10 h.
Thank you
Hey people.
I’m on my way to Saint Jean Pied de Port in France now to start my journey to Santiago de Compostella. I’ll be aiming for the FKT self-supported in around 9 days. I dont know yet if it will be just under 9 days or over. But I’ll do my best.
I’ll be starting this thursday at 11:00 from Saint Jean Pied de Port. If you want to follow what I’m doing and how it’s going you can follow me at Instagram where my name is ” maxpisano ”. I’ll be updating with the Pilgrime stamps and my Garmin/Strava map in the end of everyday and also alot of photos/videos from the (probably long) day.
Wish me luck!!
We are curious how this went for you. No FKT entry came by?
/Torben
I think I will be doing female unsupported in Aug 2023. I'll let you know:) will have spot check.
Is there a FKT for a self-supported female?
Hello everyone,
Starting on May 21 I will be attempting the self-supported FKT, as long as there are no crazy storms forecasted for that day. Hoping for under 9 days total but of course we'll have to see how it plays out! I will be updating daily on my Instagram @xander_hartwood and on Strava @Xander Hartwood, and collecting stamps in the pilgrim passport. Thanks!
On June 4th at approximately 4am (Central European Time - CET), I will be attempting the “self-supported” FKT from Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPDP), France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Goal is to set new record in 8 days. Tracking will be available on my Garmin & Strava and daily posts & pictures on Facebook (Scott Loughney) & Instagram (@Scott Loughney - Run4Fun) and I will be collecting official stamps in my Pilgrim Passport. See you on the trail.
share.garmin.com/scottcaminofrancesFKT
strava.com/athletes/scottcaminofkt
Hi all,
I will be starting my Camino de Santiago run on Saturday 30th August 2025, attempting the female self-supported FKT from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Santiago de Compostela, following the exact route linked on this page. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to run the required distances each day or if my route will be affected by the wildfires, but I’ll be giving it my best shot. If all goes to plan, I aim to finish early on Friday 12th September.
I’ll be posting updates on my Instagram: @onceinalifetimetraveller, and I’ll be tracking each day with my Garmin, uploading the data to Strava: https://strava.app.link/GzZpd0Uz5Vb. I will also be collecting pilgrim stamps in my passport — I hope this will provide sufficient evidence for the attempt.
This run is also a fundraising effort for Street Child and Doctors Without Borders (MSF):
https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/8602/784km-13000m-up-one-crazy-ru…
Thank you for following along and supporting this adventure!
Laura Whyms
@onceinalifetimetraveller
Hey adventurers 🧭,
This coming Monday, September 8th, it's finally happening. I'll be starting the Camino Francés in SJPDP in an attempt to break the FKT self-supported style 🚀
You can follow me live via:
https://live.trail-tracking.com/GeertvanNispen/
And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geert_van_nispen_runs_hikes/
More info on: https://geertvannispen.nl/camino-frances-ultra/
Happy trails 👣🏔
Geert
Hey y’all, Ria here.
Planning to attempt the female self supported FKT starting tomorrow - October 1st 2025 (or the day after if delayed by logistics). My goal is reaching Santiago de Compostela by the end of day on the 11th (12th if delayed at start).
Live tracking: https://share.garmin.com/whereisriax
Instagram updates: https://www.instagram.com/whereisriax
Strava: https://strava.app.link/ZCpGa4ni5Wb
This will be a training run for the biggest project coming up next year: running 20000km across the length of Asia and Europe.
Delayed 1 day, starting tomorrow Oct 2nd
Self-supported attempt on the Camino de Santiago de Frances at 9am on 21st March 2026.
I hope to dip under the current time set by Xander Hartwood of 8d 9h 16m 12s, 2025. Which seems impossibly difficult and was a brilliant performance by this guy i have to say.
Many thanks
Will
On the 21st March 2026 at 9am, I commence my journey from the Nive River Bridge in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France. By foot, I will cross the Pyrenees and then northern Spain, finishing 500 miles later in Santiago de Compostela, nearly on the Atlantic coast.
This is the Camino de Santiago de France (The Way), which is attempted by almost half a million pilgrims per year and represents a journey of self-actualisation and understanding of who we exactly are.
March is one of the less travelled months for The Way, mainly due to the shorter days and unpredictable weather movements.
Having reached my half-century a few weeks before, it will provide a point of self-reflection and understanding.
In this world, extended periods of time alone are rare.
My efforts on The Way will represent one of the hardest things I have ever done, but will be represented by any help i can give to our chosen charity, Doctors in Distress.
Doctors in Distress is an independent charity which provides peer support for all healthcare workers to protect their mental health and prevent suicide
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.
Please also note that if I am required to follow the winter reroute over the Napoleon pass at the start, the attempt will be under the winter reroute category and not affect existing attempts - just for transparency.
Please note this attempt is the Winter re-route over the Napoelan pass due to the winter closure.
This Saturday 21st March 9am, ill be tackilng the winter reroute of the Camino Francés self-supported
You can follow me live via:
https://share.garmin.com/willmangar
wish me luck and safety
Will
had to retire near Burgos on day 5, right sided tib anterior tendontis made continuing unviable - next time
Sorry about that, hope you can return another time.
Monday, April 6 is the day. Then I will set off from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in an attempt to improve the self-supported FKT on this iconic route.
You can follow me live at: https://live.trail-tracking.com/GeertvanNispen26/
Happy trails, Geert
https://geertvannispen.nl/
Best of luck!