Purpose
Through writing (book, articles, and blog posts) and film, the FKT Project will comprehensively explore the pursuit of Fastest Known Times (FKTs) in running. FKTs occur outside of organized races and require additional planning, support, and recording than traditional running outings. Therefore, especially those lasting multiple days, are also likely to include components of adventure and elements of hardship that will lend to an exploration of the interior experiences of completing an FKT. This project will explore the history of FKTs, opportunities and challenges in FKT-pursuits, and profile significant routes and FKTs.
Scope
This project will focus on FKTs completed on foot, and it will highlight the challenges and experiences of BIPOC, women, and non-binary FKT’ers. While it may briefly discuss speed records in other sports (e.g., swimming, cycling) when discussing the history of FKTs, the focus will be on FKTs achieved on foot.
Significance
While FKTs were known in the ultrarunning world before the COVID-19 pandemic, the cancellation of running races across the globe helped to skyrocket FKTs in popularity. This project will explore the path of FKTs to the explosion that occurred during the pandemic, discuss the FKT as a phenomenon, and explore significant FKT routes and FKTs. Notably, this project aims to start from the experiences of successful FKT completers at every level with the aim of exploring from an elite, competitive, and non-competitive perspective the pursuit of FKTs and why and how it is a phenomenon. This combination will provide a unique and needed perspective on FKTs as well as one on the broader running community that takes a more inclusive view of significant and prominent achievements in the field.
If you have achieved a FKT and are willing to be interviewed for the film, podcast, or book, please email me at thefktproject@ultrarungal.com. If you are willing to contribute but would like to remain anonymous or do not wish to be interviewed but would still like to support the project, please complete the FKT Completers Survey.
Project Timeline*
Fall 2023 – Spring 2024: Archival research & literature review
Spring – Summer 2024: Profile interviews conducted
Fall – Winter 2024: Book & Project creation
Spring 2025: Project launch
*Article and blog writing will occur throughout the project highlighting individual profiles, routes, and describing portions of the larger project
Addendum: While I am an associate professor, this project is separate from my academic and professional work, and it should not be viewed as associated with or representative of my academic role or institution. The project did not go through institutional ethical review, because it was deemed not to be human subjects research by NDSU’s IRB board. It received that determination because the aim of the project is not to contribute to generalizable knowledge. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me via email at thefktproject@ultrarungal.com.
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