Pacific Crest Trail Record Attempt 2005

dhorton@liberty.edu, (434) 293-1324

Projected Schedule  

Mail Drop Addresses 

Follow the Day to Day progress at www.montrail.com

Name: David Horton

Age: 55

Residence: Lynchburg, Virginia

Profession: Professor at Liberty University

Qualifications: 40 ultra-marathon victories, 3rd place in Trans America footrace, held speed record on Appalachian Trail, held speed record on the Long Trail in Vermont

This is an adventure that will test the body, soul, and spirit of David Horton.  He is determined to achieve his goal.   Take part; in whatever way you can, and be a part of his dream--- help turn it into reality.  

David Horton is a long time ultra-runner who lives in Lynchburg Virginia.   He teaches classes (such as Physiology of Exercise, Exercise Prescription, Personal Health and Running) at Liberty University.  His extensive background in running (over 95,000 total miles at the end of 2004) includes over 40 victories in ultra-marathon races.   Other notable accomplishments include setting the speed record on the Appalachian Trail (2160 Miles) averaging over 40 miles per day, completing the Trans-America footrace (2906 miles) finishing with the third fastest time ever averaging over 45 miles per day and setting the speed record on the Long Trail in Vermont (the oldest hiking trail in the U.S.) in 4 days and 22 hours (271 miles).

Beginning on June 4, 2005, David will attempt to set the speed record on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).   The PCT is the longest continuous trail in the U.S (2650 miles).    The southern terminus of the PCT begins at the Mexican border near Campo, California which is east of San Diego, California.   The PCT goes through California including portions of through the High Sierra Mountains for 1700 miles, across Oregon for 400 miles, and across Washington for 500 miles ending at the Canadian/U.S. border near Manning Park in Canada.

Records and trials of the Trail

The present record was set in 2003 by Ray Greenlaw at just over 83 days.  Brian Robinson has the second fastest time of just over 85 days.  Both of these records were set in an unsupported fashion, they carried backpacks and were not met at road crossings by a support team.  Horton will be attempting to set the speed record in a supported fashion with a team meeting and crewing him at predetermined points along the trail.  His goals are to set a standard for other runners/hikers to pursue in future years and to complete the entire PCT in 63 days averaging just over 42 miles per day.   The PCT has over 500,000 feet of vertical gain and an equal amount of loss.  Therefore, David must negotiate roughly 16,000 elevation change each day for over two months-- a monumental task-- to say the least.

Support Crew

Horton’s support team will be made up with a number of different crews.   Supporting him from the start to Kennedy Meadows (700 miles) will be Dr. Gary Buffington and his wife Millie.   Gary is a retired medical doctor and ultra-runner from Pensacola, Florida.  Brian Robinson and his wife Sophie will support Horton from Kennedy Meadows to Sierra City (700 to 1200 miles).  This area is the highest area of the PCT.  The John Muir Trail and the PCT coincide for most of this area and there are no road crossings for over 238 miles.  Jonathan Basham will be crewing Horton from Sierra City, California to the finish.   Scott Jurek will also be assisting through Oregon and Krissy Sybrowsky will assist through Washington.   Other friends and runners will later be added to run with Horton and assist the crews.

Sponsors and how you can help

Besides training, there are many challenges left for David to address.   With Montrail and Patagonia furnishing shoes and running gear, two major aspects are covered.   Areas of critical need that still exist are: energy/nutritional support, tents, sleeping bags, small and large packs.  Additionally a crew vehicle and a communications system are important requirements that need to be procured.

PR and exposure

Horton’s crew will send information to Montrail where daily reports on Horton’s progress and adventures on the PCT will be posted to the website.  The Montrail PR coordinator will make contact with regional media sources as Horton moves north through the western states.  Horton will recount his experience with outdoor/running related magazines and regional newspapers.  This will involve outdoor enthusiasts and the general public in the adventures that Horton is experiencing.