Kilian Jornet Sets New Speed Record On The Matterhorn

Ultrarunner Kilian Jornet continues to demonstrate that he is amongst the best endurance athletes on the planet by once again setting an impressive new speed record. This time he made short work of the Matterhorn, crushing a record that has stood for 18 years in the process.

This latest test of Kilian's athletic abilities also marked the final phase of his Summits of My Life project. The speed attempt started and ended at the Church Square in Cervinia, Italy with the turn around point being the summit of Mount Cervino, which sits at a height of 4476 meters (14,685 ft). The round trip journey covered 17.48 km (10.86 miles) with a total ascent of 2469 meters (8100 ft). Kilian was able to cover that distance in a time of 2 hours, 52 minutes and 02 seconds. That easily beats the previous record set in 1995 by Bruno Brunod, who finished he same route in 3 hour, 14 minutes, 44 seconds.

As always, Kilian never fails to impress. The guy is simply an incredible athlete. This latest record comes on the heels of him setting a speed record on Mont Blanc in July when he ran up and down that 4810 meter (15,781 ft) peak in 4 hours, 57 minutes and 40 seconds. That was 13 minutes faster than the previous best time set by Pierre-André Gobet in 1990. I guess it would be an understatement to say that he's had a busy and productive summer, huh?

Congratulations to Kilian for another amazing run. Thanks for reminding the rest of us that we are just mere mortals.

Video: Summits of My Life by Kilian Jornet

Kilian Jornet is easily amongst the best endurance athletes in the world. He is a prolific ultra-runner and mountaineer who has set speed records on numerous peaks, including Kilimanjaro and Mt. Olympus, and has even won the Western States 100. All of that was just a tune-up for his next project however as he has now charted a four-year plan to take on some of the most iconic peaks on the planet.

According to Kilian's website SummitsOfMyLife.com, over the next few years he will be attempt to climb Mont Blanc (several times!), Elbrus, the Matterhorn, Aconcagua, Denali and Everest. He'll bring his own unique style to those climbs (read: light and fast) but he insists this isn't about setting records or going fast, but more about delivering a message of values and simplicity.

The journey will be a very personal one and intends to share it through video as well. The trailer for the project can be found below and it looks amazing.

Thanks to Lou-Phi for the tip!