FKTIFF

About FKTiff

FKT stand for “Fastest Known Time.” A mostly trail and ultra phenomena, runners will run a certain trail or section and record their time to claim they have run the fastest on that particular route. The rules are pretty simple: the route must be accessible by others (able to be repeated) and of enough interest that someone else would want to do it! Most people who know about FKTs are familiar with the big ones like the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail or Rim to Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon. But there are so many trails and routes around the world, a quick look at the official FKT map and you can probably find one near you!

That is how this project started. Out of curiosity, I looked to see what FKT route had been submitted near NYC. I found several, but then noticed something concerning… All of the FKTs have only been done by men. Now I know that women are out here on the trails and have done these routes, so it was shocking not to see any recorded female FKTs. In an effort to raise awareness and encourage women to submit recorded times, I have decided to try to set as many local FKTs as I can this summer and I’ve named my personal project FKTIFF.

I will do a mix of supported or unsupported (depending on who wants to join me!) and submit my attempts to be officially recognized. For an attempt to be verified, the general procedure includes an announcement prior to the attempt, GPS tracking files or live tracking, photos documenting the run, and a trip report. The unique aspect of setting an FKT is that it is not a race. It is a solo journey (with or without help) to complete a predetermined route. No bibs, no aid stations, no course markings… just you and the trail.

Want to know more? Check out https://fastestknowntime.com/ And if you are feeling inspired, I encourage you to go out and set your own FKT or create a new route!