FKT: Jonathan Wagar - Columbia Trail (NJ) - 2020-06-20

Athletes
Route variation
out & back
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
4h 16m 45s
GPS track(s)
Report

Great run. It is a very popular biking, running and hiking path. I started early to avoid most of the heat and humidity. Fortunately, the majority of the trail is shaded. I was slowing down big time toward the end and didn't hit my target of under 4 hours. I brought my ultra vest with two water bottles and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I ate 3/4 of the sandwich and didn't resupply (I was attempting an unsupported FKT ).

I was surprised and encouraged by the ecological integrity of the areas that the trail goes through - Schooleys Mountain and Ken Lockwood gorge in particular. Of course, Ken Lockwood is loosing all its hemlocks, but overall there are few non-native invasive plants and the forests look healthy. The bridge over the South Branch and Ken Lockwood Gorge is really cool. Schooleys Mountain also looked really good - healthy hardwood forest with a native understory. The area along the South Branch also looked surprisingly good.

Overall awesome run, great to see so many people enjoying the trail!