Scott Jurek's 'Reward' For Breaking Appalachian Trail Speed Record: Three Summonses
When internationally celebrated speedster Scott Jurek scrambled last Sunday to the 5,269-foot summit of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, he broke the record for the fastest assisted hike of the 2,189-mile footpath, racing from Georgia to Maine in an astonishing 46 days, eight hours and seven minutes.
A crowd of well-wishers cheered as an exhausted Jurek smooched his wife, Jenny, then kissed a wooden sign marking the peak, took a swig of champagne and exclaimed, “I can’t believe I made it! This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Not long afterward, Jurek received three unexpected “prizes”: summonses from Baxter State Park for alleged regulation violations, including drinking an alcoholic beverage, littering (presumably the champagne cork that went flying), and hiking with an oversize group. In addition, park rangers issued separate summonses to video crews for allegedly violating a commercial media permit that prohibits filming within 500 feet of Baxter Peak at Katahdin’s summit.
The park authority offered a long explanation on its Facebook page that conceded Jurek’s feat was “a remarkable physical accomplishment” but insisted “Baxter State Park was not the appropriate place for such an event.”
“Let’s be clear and concise, Scott Jurek’s physical abilities were recognized by corporations engaged in running and outdoor related products. The race vehicle used to support Scott in his run, as well as Scott's headband, clearly displays these corporate sponsors. The sponsors are providing money and equipment to support Scott's run in exchange for advertisement and engagement that they expect will protect or increase their market share and improve their profits,” the Facebook post reads.
“Thousands of people, including Mainers and others from all over the world, visit Baxter Park and hike in the park’s wilderness, including a climb to Baxter Peak. People celebrate their accomplishment, often with their families and often many times over, quietly and with appreciation for this precious gift left to us in perpetuity by Percival Baxter. These ‘corporate events’ have no place in the park and are incongruous with the park’s mission of resource protection, the appreciation of nature and the respect of the experience of others in the park.”
The park authority then goes on to threaten it might even consider forcing the Appalachian Trail to move from the 200,000-acre park – which would be like Boston evicting the Red Sox from Fenway Park or New York kicking the Yankees out of The Bronx.
Whoa! Let’s put things in perspective.
I wasn’t there for Jurek’s celebration last week but have been atop Katahdin several times – in dead-silent, near-deserted winter, and amid throngs in summer and fall, when through-hikers finishing up to six months on the AT often shout with exultation and – yes – have been known to chug a beer or two.
A few years ago friends and I launched our “Summit New England” expedition at Katahdin, in which we hiked to the tops of all six high points in the New England states in a madcap, round-the-clock hiking and driving journey. (No alcohol was involved, but I think we all overdosed on gorp). My son, Tom, and I also finished our ascent there of all 67 of New England’s peaks that rise above 4,000 feet.
I also treasure the solitude of wilderness, and respect the Baxter Park Authority’s determination to preserve Katahdin’s pristine serenity.
That said, I think the authority overreacted to Jurek’s celebration.
From the news accounts I read most if not all who witnessed it, including those who inadvertently happened to reach the top at the same time, shared his joyous moment. Graciously among the celebrants, by the way, was Jennifer Pharr Davis, who set the previous AT record four years ago. Jurek’s time was a scant 3 hours and 13 minutes faster.
I don’t think the Jurek festivities ruined anybody’s experience. I mean, it wasn’t exactly a ticker-tape parade with marching bands, TV satellite trucks and hordes of media. And the so-called exploitation by corporate interests wasn't as if logos were plastered everywhere like a NASCAR race or PGA tournament.
I think park authorities need to lighten up a little on rare, special occasions that can inspire other hikers, not repel them.
So, congratulations to Scott Jurek, and thank you, Baxter Park Authority, for maintaining such an extraordinary natural treasure. I think you share some common ground and am sure everyone will come to their senses once the dust settles.
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