Q&A with Joe “Stringbean” McConaughey: Smashing the Arizona Trail FKT
Written By Brandon Chase
Joe “Stringbean” McConaughy once again set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) speed record on a long-distance path last week, this time taking on the 800-mile Arizona Trail and finishing in 13 days, 3 hours, 21 minutes and lowering the previous supported record by nearly three days.
Joe is well-known in the endurance and thru-hiking community for having set speed records on the Pacific Crest Trail (2014), Appalachian Trail (2017), and most recently the Long Trail in 2020. Though he set the AT and LT records in a self-supported fashion (meaning he had no outside assistance but was able to resupply as needed), Stringbean opted for a supported effort on the Arizona Trail.
Read next – FKTs Explained: Differentiating Between Supported, Self-Supported, and Unsupported Fastest Known Times.
As a result, his friend and filmographer, Michael Dillon, proprietor of film company Pilot Field, was able to capture a stunning record of the attempt, which was released in a riveting fifteen-part series on YouTube.
In addition to setting the speed record, Joe also raised more than $23,000 for two Native American charities: the Native American Rights Fund and Chizh for Cheii.
I caught up with Joe a few days after finishing the trail and he was nice enough to answer a few questions for The Trek. Continue reading the complete article here.
October 21, 2024
The Trek
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving long distance backpackers.
We are All Things Long-Distance backpacking.
Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and everything in between. We are dedicated to serving the thru-hiking and long distance backpacking community.
NOTE: Cordial debate is allowed and encouraged. If you're rude, however, your comment will be deleted. If you make personal attacks at another commenter or a Trek Blogger or Writer, you will be banned from this page.
Explore More Content
Media Mentions
Sawyer’s donation of water filters represents a significant shift away from the cumbersome logistics of bottled water, offering a faster and more efficient solution.
Media Mentions
Summer tick season used to be a problem only in the southern part of Ontario, but tick populations are moving north as the climate grows warmer.
Media Mentions
Mosquitos are nasty creatures. They bite, they transmit terrible diseases to people and pets, and from what I read, they have absolutely no redeeming value in the ecosystem.
From the Squad
Campfire conversations with our community, from Squad Members and Ambassadors to Brand Partners and the Sawyer team.
