Last week the Canberra-based bushwalker and ultra-marathon enthusiast Kyle Williams set a world record in becoming the first person to run an ultra-marathon through the Snowy Mountains.
The effort is particularly notable as the trail included an ascent of each of the 21 highest peaks in the Main Range, with Williams completing in just over 19 hours.
Dubbed the ‘A21 Ultra’, Williams took on the route with fellow runner Jamie Smith; both runners completed the 83 kilometre run that required over 4,000 metres of elevation gain.
However, this isn’t the first adventuring benchmark that Williams has set, previously climbing all 26 of Australia’s highest mainland mountains without stopping, hiking 130 kilometres across the Snowy Mountains in November 2013.
Williams was quick to point out that, while these feats appear enormous, they are achievable with training and dedication.
“I’m no super athlete and I’m certainly not a great distance runner,” he said. “In fact, 11 months ago I was barely able to run 20 minutes without pain.”
Regardless of his athleticism, Williams energy remains boundless as he prepares for a new adventure in January: to climb the highest peak in each of Australia’s mainland states and territories in less than six days.