FKT: David Ruttum - Colorado Trail (CO) - 2022-09-14

Athletes
Route variation
West to East, Collegiate West
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Self-supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
10d 12h 24m 45s
GPS track(s)
Photos
Report

This was a self supported, northbound with collegiate peaks west Colorado Trail adventure. In 2019, I ran the same path fully supported by my wife in 9d9h. As we now have a two year-old daughter, my wife would not be able to support me so I decided on self supported. I was also inspired by Andre Michaud (we are both anaesthesiologists), but I prefer the collegiate peaks west to east. I also like finishing in Denver as we live in Vail and it is closer to home.

I departed Junction Creek TH at 0746 on 4 September and finished at Waterton Canyon TH sign at 2006 on 14 September. Before I departed, I left nine metal drop boxes with food for resupplies. If interested, I will send you a spreadsheet with the details. I used two Katadyn befree water filters. No one met me or spectated or helped me. I met my best friend and wife and daughter at the finish at Waterton. I slept in my down jacket and pants and sleeping quilt on the ground- no sleeping pad or bivvy. It was hot, but very little rain and no snow. I am glad I finished last night because we had snow at 10,000 feet in Vail today. 

I used a garmin inreach for my family to track me. I bought it two days before I started and read that the battery was not the greatest so I put it into extended tracking mode so it would last for my trip without recharging. Even in extended mode, it was at 54pc battery when I finished.

I am not a professional athlete so I do not do social media so I have no videos etc. Just the few pictures I attached.