Kilian Jornet Completes States of Elevation Linking 73 Highest US Mountains in 31 Days

Kilian Jornet, widely regarded as the greatest mountain athlete of all time, is undertaking an extraordinary endurance project called States of Elevation, where he aims to summit the highest 73 peaks over 14,000 feet in the contiguous United States by running and cycling between them. Beginning with Colorado's 56 fourteeners, Jornet covered nearly 1,200 miles on bike and 469 miles on foot over 16 days, averaging about 75 miles and 16,400 feet of elevation gain daily, with minimal rest. After completing the Colorado segment, he cycled hundreds of miles to California, summiting Mount Shasta under extreme wind conditions and continuing northward through Oregon to Washington, where he approached the final peaks, including Mount Rainier. Jornet's project emphasizes a style focused on human-powered, low-impact mountain travel, linking entire ranges into a coherent journey rather than isolated climbs or speed records. His athletic performance combines superhuman endurance with technical skill, as evidenced by his previous world records and ultrarunning victories worldwide. The endeavor has captivated the endurance sports community and his large social media following, showcasing a profound connection to nature and a relentless pursuit of meaning through exploration and physical challenge.