FKTs, Snacks, and Dorking Out on Natural History - An Interview with Kelly Halpin

Kelly Halpin is a professional mountain ultra runner and adventure athlete. She has a background in climbing, hiking, and snowboarding in the Tetons and surrounding wilderness. For the last 10 years, Kelly has merged her passions for running, climbing and exploring remote places by setting fastest known times (FKTs) around the world and establishing long technical routes in her home mountain ranges, typically solo and unsupported. Kelly is also a talented illustrator. Be sure to check out the link to her art here. You can find her masterpieces on children’s books and beer labels and everything in between.

One of her most recent notable accomplishments includes besting her own FKT on the Wind River High Route, which we talk about a lot in this episode. This route is notorious for testing even the most experienced backpackers on multiday trips. The fact that Kelly has set the FKT on it twice is truly mind-blowing…this route is 97 miles long with about 65 of those off trail; just under 30,000 feet of elevation gain; and has a highest point at almost 13,400 feet. On August 1st of 2024, Kelly completed the route in 53 and a half hours.

Kelly's athletic and artistic accomplishments aside, she was a pleasure to talk to, laugh with, and learn about. She is as intelligent as she is athletic, and her passion for environmental science and natural history infiltrates her achievements.

Follow Kelly on Instagram @kyehalpin
Check out her website at www.kellyhalpin.com

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Episode hosted and edited by Cat Coe
Episode music by Holizna Radio
Conclusion music by Rocky Marsiano

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