FKT: Matthew Matera - Mt Ritter (CA) - 2017-08-24

Athletes
Route variation
out & back
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Finish date
Total time
6h 6m 57s
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Ran 6:06:57 total time and I was 3:45 to the summit. Some of the most fun I've had in the Sierra. There was lots of snow up there, but I made due with Hoka Speedgoats and Petzl Leopard crampons. Put the crampons on for the initial snow fields below the first cliff band and then again for the main southeast glacier. I took Secor's Chute up and down rather than the Owen's Chute because it's a bit more direct. I was able to avoid snow and waterfalls from the base of the chute to the summit with a bit of 4th classing. Coming down was super fast, aided by some quickly softening snow. Didn't bring an axe because of it being awkward to run with, but did have a Sirocco helmet for fear of rockfall since it was a very warm day.

This fkt route is not very frequently run, hence why I was able to take over an hour off the time, but it definitely has a ways to go! I am in between training for ultras, so by no means in top running shape. I'm sure if some top local mountain runners with better acclimatization (I've been in mammoth for 2 weeks) take a stab at it, sub 5:00 or even 4:30 is achievable! Let's keep track of some more Eastern Sierra FKTs up here! 

www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/93f50eda42125768f7436c810c743e5a/

I see here (http://www.jediahporter.com/2012/10/sierra-speed.html?m=1) that Ian McEleney previously did it in 7:18 [July 2015].