WASHINGTON – At 91, Del Sanders has once again made history by reclaiming the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail—despite falling at least 71 times along the way.
Sanders, who was born in 1935, completed the roughly 3,530-kilometre trail stretching from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. Six of his falls were serious, with one injury requiring hospitalization. His final fall came just 200 yards from the finish line.
Known on the trail as the “Gray Beard,” Sanders began his latest journey from West Virginia on September 6. He reached the summit of Mount Katahdin in Maine on Monday and sat down in prayer beside the trail sign.
“I had to thank God, and I had to thank my support team and everyone who helped me get this far,” Sanders said.
Sanders first set the record in 2017, when he completed the trail at the age of 82. Four years later, his 83-year-old friend M.J. Eberhart surpassed the record, prompting Sanders to attempt the trail again and reclaim the title.
This time, however, the journey proved considerably more difficult.
In June, Sanders fell on rocks while descending Vermont’s Killington Mountain, leaving cuts on his arms and legs. Despite the injuries, he continued walking.
“Fortunately, nothing was broken, but I was pretty badly hurt,” Sanders said. “I didn’t even wipe off the blood. I just kept walking.”
Several weeks later, his left hand became numb and he was admitted to a hospital in Maine. Doctors initially feared he might have suffered a stroke, but tests reportedly showed that pressure on a nerve was responsible. After returning home, Sanders resumed his trek in August, encouraged by his wife.
Along sections of the trail in Pennsylvania, hikers and supporters warmly welcomed Sanders. He said the kindness he received mattered more to him than the record itself.
“When people care about you and bring you a caramel frappé on the trail, the rocks don’t matter,” he said, adding that reclaiming the record had become secondary to inspiring others.
Meredith Ewenson, who led a group of 10 women hikers in New Hampshire in June, recalled being amazed by Sanders’ physical fitness and agility at 91. His “victory dance” before setting out on the trail left the group astonished.
Sanders developed an interest in athletics after being bullied as a child because of his small stature. He took up activities including acrobatics and swimming. He later served in the US Navy and had a long career in parks and recreation before retiring in 2002.
He has also completed other extraordinary endurance challenges. On his 87th birthday, Sanders became the oldest person to travel the entire length of the Mississippi River, completing the journey in 87 days.
Even during his latest Appalachian Trail trek, age did little to slow him down. After becoming exhausted following a 19-kilometre stretch, Sanders lay down on the trail and said he needed a short nap. Just two minutes later, he woke up and resumed walking.
Sanders’ latest achievement adds another remarkable chapter to a life defined by endurance, determination and an unwillingness to give up.
COMMENTS