On July 15, 2023, David Hedges ’20, set the new record for the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the daunting Nolan’s 14 route. Nolan’s 14 involves connecting a line of 14 Colorado peaks that tower over 14,000 feet in a single push of 60 hours or less. The route is open and largely off-trail, but the typical distance is 95 to 100 miles with about 40,000 feet of elevation gain at a minimum. Hedges completed the route in 39 hours, 6 minutes, and 40 seconds, covering 94.12 miles with 45,594 feet of elevation gain. Congratulations, David!
Major while at CC: Anthropology
Sport at CC: Cross Country and (personal) ultra-trail running
Current location: Vail Pass (I live in my tent).
What do you like to do when you’re not running/climbing mountains?
Reading, music, film, cooking.
What’s your favorite memory of athletics at CC?
Traveling to Oregon to race Cross Country at this beautiful park along the Clackamas River and then spending the day hanging out in Portland with the team.
What’s your proudest moment in post-CC competition?
Just being able to really control my effort at these ultra-trail races, winning them tactically, and competing against the very best in the world.
Anything else you’d like to share with CC alumni?
I have to credit the Block Plan and the outdoors culture at CC for the path I’ve taken. I don’t think there’s another school or institution where it’s totally acceptable to go out on really long solo training runs in the mountains everyday after class in the Springs or before class on field trips in Crestone. CC gave me the opportunity to really explore both my academic interests and develop a passion for the outdoors at the same time, which is something I don’t take for granted.
