American Tyler Andrews (36) may have set a new speed record on Mount Everest. The ultrarunner reached the top of the highest mountain in the world on Thursday in just 9 hours and 55 minutes. This was reported by his expedition team Asian Trekking. The record time still has to be officially confirmed by the Nepalese authorities.
Journalist at HLN
Source: ANP, AFP, CBS
Andrews left from the foot of the almost 8,849 meter high mountain on Wednesday evening and was at the top just before sunrise on Thursday. According to his team, the entire round trip took him only 16 hours and 32 minutes — that would also be a record.
“He reached the summit of Everest in just 9 hours and 55 minutes,” team leader Dawa Steven Sherpa confirmed to the AFP news agency. GPS tracking on Andrews’ website and updates on Instagram allowed followers to follow his climb live.
Solo climb
According to the Asian Trekking expedition team, it was a solo climb. Andrews climbed up alone, although he did receive logistical support along the way from guides who provided extra oxygen, water and food. His journey took the classic southern route from Nepal.
The American, known as an ultrarunner, told ‘CBS Boston’ last month how important this challenge was for him. “I’ve been training as an athlete all my life, and Mount Everest is actually the culmination of it all,” he said.
With his performance, Andrews outperforms the Nepalese Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, who has held the record since 2003 with a climb time of 10 hours and 56 minutes.
Record number of climbers
The current climbing season on Mount Everest is exceptionally busy. Nepal issued a record number of 494 climbing permits this year. Earlier this month, no fewer than 274 alpinists reached the top of Everest in one day via the Nepalese side of the mountain.
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