Competition for the PCT record has certainly heated up in recent years, and 2014 saw several attempts. On August 10, 2014, Joe McConaughy set a remarkable new standard at 53d6h37m (supported, northbound), annihilating the Garrett's FKT by 6 full days! A brief early report on McConaughy's trip is here, and a detailed report and interview is on irunfar.com.
McConaughy reported:
Hello!
Joe McConaughy aka String Bean here. I just wanted to inform the FKT community of my recent journey thru the incredible PCT. I started on June 18th at 5:25 AM at the Mexican border and made it to the Monuments on the Canada border at 12:02 PM on August 10th.
Being supported, my official time for the PCT is 53 Days, 6 hours, 37 minutes.
I had a crew of 2-3 friends who supported me with resupplies and by camping with me. We would meet every 10-100 miles (mostly at road intersections) and we would camp out together about 4 out of 5 nights. They were awesome dudes who really motivated and pushed me, and were essential to my safety and success out on the trail. If anyone would like to know more about how we did the trip, shoot us an e-mail: runforcolin@gmail.com or check out our website at www.runforcolin.com
This was the most wild, incredible test of my limits that I will ever face. It was both breathtaking and thrilling. I look forward and support anyone going for this record (in a safe manner!!!).
-String Bean