Are FKTs harming the sport of trail running?

An FKT stands for Fastest Known Time.

Many athletes try to beat FKTs on different trails.

Some runners feel that FKTs take away the fun in a sport and make others feel like they have to compete in order to be someone.

What do you all think?

How do you feel about the FKT world?

It could become an obsession, that’s for sure! If I were a runner, I don’t see myself caring about that except for my own personal time, but I also take into consideration how I feel that day. My energy levels aren’t consistent, so I give myself some credit whenever I hike small distances if that’s all I can do. Maybe that’s why I can never be a runner?

On Sep 21, 2026, Kathy said:

It could become an obsession, that’s for sure! If I were a runner, I don’t see myself caring about that except for my own personal time, but I also take into consideration how I feel that day. My energy levels aren’t consistent, so I give myself some credit whenever I hike small distances if that’s all I can do. Maybe that’s why I can never be a runner?

I’ll admit that the more I trail run, the more addicted I get to it.

It even hits different than hiking or biking. I think it’s because I can see improvement from each run faster than I can with the cycling thing.

FKTs being an obsession is an interesting point. I think you’re on to something there.

Tara Dower is a good example. She just keeps going and going to beat other FKTs and even her own. She’s a beast!

On Sep 22, 2026, Shawn Gossman said:

I’ll admit that the more I trail run, the more addicted I get to it.

It even hits different than hiking or biking. I think it’s because I can see improvement from each run faster than I can with the cycling thing.

FKTs being an obsession is an interesting point. I think you’re on to something there.

Tara Dower is a good example. She just keeps going and going to beat other FKTs and even her own. She’s a beast!

I used to love beating my time on the 20 mile ride when I was in my 40s. I was faster than the teenaged boys in my classes (I was a substitute teacher), and that really boosted my ego that needed it since I was never an athletic person! When I hike now, I don’t even look at the clock. It’s about being out there and feeling great and watching the wildlife around me.