Former Hannibal Resident Sets a New Running Record

A former Hannibal resident dipped his aching feet in the waters of Key West, Florida and ended a 98-day run that started in Kenai, Alaska.  That's a world record 5,384 mile run for ultra-marathoner Pete Kostelnick.

Kostelnick's run established a new standard, establishing a world record for the longest unsupported run. That means he ran these miles alone, pushing a stroller that carried his essential needs.  He already holds the world record for running to San Francisco to New York City in 42 days, shattering the old record by four days.

Pete's feat is nothing short of amazing.  Here's a look at some of his stats on his dash across North America. He averaged 55 miles a day.  His highest and lowest days came in the Yukon territory. On Day 23, a wildfire in the Yukon Territory forced him to take his only day off from his 98-day journey.  He made up for it the following day, dashing 93 miles in one day through the lingering smoke.  His total elevation gain totaled 175,301 feet, which equals six Mount Everests.

On his Facebook page, Pete's Feet Across America, Kostelnick wrote this about his finish Monday:   "I thought today would be cake...About eight miles out from the southernmost point, I hit a wall in the hottest day of the run.  I told everyone I'd make it to the finish between 2-3 p.m. and that was starting to seem unrealistic.  I remained calm and carried on...no easy task when you're hurting."

Pete triumphantly crossed the finish line with three minutes remaining in his self-imposed deadline. In that last stretch, Pete reflected on highlights of his run. Along the way he saw glaciers and grizzlies, he endured driving rain and crumbling road shoulders that required a lot more effort while pushing a jogging stroller. He dashed through busy cities and lonely stretches.  He logged 5,300 miles and made many memories.