#101 Preparing an FKT

Some of us will find it hard to train for anything other than a race. And yet, that would mean missing out on FKTs, which have brought a fresh layer of adventure and fun back to our community of mountain folk. FKT (Fastest Known Time) is the acronym used worldwide to describe a record (literally the fastest known time). This record can be for any route, as long as it is considered interesting for the outdoor community. Trail running and walking FKTs (with their variants) are now catalogued on the site FastestKnownTime.com. But FKTs also exist for mountain biking, mountaineering and ski touring. This article is our chance to dig deeper into those for trail running and walking. We will look at the possible routes, the few rules to follow, and how to prepare your next FKT.

Choosing a route

The concepts of route and FKT are closely linked. Choosing your FKT ultimately comes down to choosing the route that interests you, and seeing whether an FKT exists or can be set in the near future. You then have two options: create your own route on which you want to establish an FKT, or search the database for a route that suits you. For the first case, we tell you more below. Here we will detail the second option. A first potential difficulty: the site FastestKnownTime.com is in English. The level of language required is low, but if you don't speak the tongue of the brexiters, it will be less straightforward. Once on the site's home page, click the Routes tab in the horizontal menu at the top of the page. You will land on a page with a map studded with red dots (the catalogued routes), below which sits an exhaustive list of all the routes in the database. All that's left is to sort by country (choose a Country [country] and click Apply). A list of routes then appears with their distance, elevation gain and date added. Once you have selected a route, you land on its dedicated page, which contains a description (sometimes in French), a GPX track, as well as the list of FKTs. It's up to you to decide whether you are up to beating the record.

Route eligibility rules

Now let's come back to the case where you want to create a new route. Anything can have a record, but it still has to interest the community. The team behind the platform has put rules in place for eligible routes to avoid having to manage records set on your staircase.

Creating your route

If your route complies with the rules above, you will need to submit it to the website. Once it is validated, you can then, as a second step, declare a record. Keep in mind that these are two quite separate processes, and validation of the two elements can take a few days for each of them. To create a route, you first need to create an account on the site, then click on the Submit menu and Route. You will then be asked:

All this information should preferably be given in English, but the team has stated that it is entirely possible to write in the language of your choice. Google will take care of the rest. Finally, you are asked whether you would like to make a contribution to the website. Although it is possible to give nothing, common practice is to give 10 dollars per route or FKT.

The rules of the game

Now, let's talk a little about fair play and the rules of the game:

To substantiate your FKT, you will need to prove that the activity took place and the time claimed. For this, you will be asked for, at minimum, a GPX track, a short report and photos of your adventure (start point, finish point and intermediate points). Note that the site only lists the FKT and the route's record history. There are no podiums: either you are the fastest, or you were.

Preparing your FKT

Preparing for an FKT will look a lot like preparing for a race. The advantage here is that you can try to beat the record several times a year, without having to pay or justify anything. However, on top of your regular training, an FKT will require a bit more logistics than a race. First, there are no established aid stations. Depending on the style you have chosen, you will need either to plan places where your crew can meet you, or to identify the shops and restaurants open along the route, or to plan down to the gram what you are going to eat. Going unsupported is clearly the most complicated, especially on long routes. Also think about identifying water sources to limit pack weight. Second, you will need to know your gear inside out. Since you are playing against the clock, you will need to minimize time lost handling your gear. You also need to choose it carefully based on terrain conditions. We are thinking in particular of cases where there is snow or ice. You will then most likely need to plan for crampons, and perhaps an ultralight ice axe depending on the slope. Finally, you will need to prove your FKT. The more you diversify your means of measurement, the better. Ideally, you would record your track with a GPS watch, a smartphone app and an InReach-type beacon (especially for long FKTs). Also remember to take photos of YOU on the route and not just of the scenery. Six photos are a minimum, with at least one at the start and another at the finish. Let's also not forget the community's courtesy rule. If you plan to take on an FKT or if you have beaten an FKT, share the news with the person you have beaten. At the risk of seeing it taken back in the following weeks.

The final word

FKTs gained enormously in popularity with the pandemic. Race cancellations pushed athletes to look for other challenges to cut their teeth on. The database has grown considerably since then, and it is not uncommon to find an FKT near your home. This database is also a way to find places to explore when you are traveling. So don't hesitate to drop by the official site from time to time to find some inspiration.