Alps, Europe – Legendary mountain runner Kilian Jornet has achieved an extraordinary feat, completing all 82 Alpine peaks over 4,000 meters in just 19 days. The ultrarunner and mountaineer shattered the previous record for the challenge, showcasing his endurance and mountaineering skills as he traversed the European Alps’ most iconic peaks.
Nick Danielson/Mountain Life SL/Reuters
Jornet, who is no stranger to pushing human limits, embarked on the 82-peak challenge in late August. The peaks span across France, Italy, and Switzerland, including well-known summits such as the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, and Eiger. Covering a distance of over 1,500 kilometers and facing unpredictable mountain weather, Jornet completed the challenge in less than three weeks, far surpassing the previous record of 31 days.
In an interview after the accomplishment, Jornet expressed his deep connection to the mountains and how this challenge was a way for him to blend speed, endurance, and technical climbing. “This challenge brought together everything I love about the mountains—pushing my limits, navigating difficult terrain, and experiencing the beauty of these peaks,” he told CNN.
A Grueling Challenge
Jornet’s journey across the Alpine peaks was a physically demanding task, requiring both technical climbing expertise and extraordinary stamina. Each day saw him tackling multiple peaks, often climbing through the night and dealing with rapidly changing conditions. The ultrarunner also relied on his mountaineering experience to navigate treacherous routes and unpredictable weather.
Many of the peaks Jornet summited, including Mont Blanc, stand as some of the most challenging and dangerous in the world. The record attempt required a deep understanding of alpine terrain, high-altitude endurance, and intense mental focus. Jornet’s ability to consistently push forward day after day made this record-breaking achievement all the more impressive.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
Jornet’s name is synonymous with breaking records in mountain sports, having previously set speed records for ascending Mount Everest, Mont Blanc, and Denali. His latest achievement in the Alps adds another chapter to his illustrious career.
Several climbers and experts in the mountaineering community have praised Jornet for his resilience and innovation in combining running and mountaineering disciplines. “Kilian is redefining what’s possible in the mountains,” said Bruno Favre, an alpine guide based in Chamonix. “His approach blends speed with mountaineering precision. It’s something we’ve never seen before.”
Jornet himself sees these challenges as an opportunity to explore what the human body is capable of. “It’s not just about breaking records for me—it’s about discovering my limits and how far I can push them.”
