Karl Meltzer on the Verge of Appalachian Trail Record

Karl "Speedgoat" Meltzer is closing in on the Appalachian Trail record.

Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer’s attempt to break Scott Jurek’s year-old Appalachian Trail (AT) record is reaching a crescendo. The 48-year-old runner began his assault in early August, hoping to best Jurek’s mark of 46 days, 8 hours, 7 minutes set last year for the 2,189-mile trail that stretches from Maine to Georgia. Through late Friday, his 44th day on the trail, he had covered 2,051 miles and had 138 miles remaining. If all goes well, he could break the record sometime on Sunday, Sept 18 or Monday, Sept. 19.

In recent days, Metzler has enjoyed the support of company of former AT record-holder David Horton, as well as support from Jurek, the current record-holder. A crew update on Friday afternoon noted that Jurek, “had to leave today, but he will be back tomorrow evening to help crew Karl to the finish.

“His company on the trail has been greatly appreciated; the strong bond among the ultra community is at work here,” reads the Day 44 update on the Red Bull site that’s tracking his progress. “Karl had ups and downs mentally throughout the day, but physically his body is holding up well. He’s consistently knocked out each crew stop on time, and that allowed him to finish the day with 46 miles before sundown. As he reaches the final days, every ounce of energy counts; every step is critical.”

“It’s crunch time,” the report says. “Whether Karl wants to cut the record close or shatter it is completely in his hands. If his body stays healthy and his crew strong, odds are, Karl will be the next AT record holder. Only the next 48-hours will tell.”

Follow Meltzer’s progress by visiting redbull.com/atrun

RELATED: Karl Meltzer Prepared to Go After AT Record Again

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