TL;DR
Simon Kearns, a 25-year-old mountaineer and guide, set a new unsupported, on-foot record for Mount Rainier after a broken ski forced him to switch from skiing to running. His time of 3h 43m beat the previous record by over 30 minutes.
Simon Kearns, 25, set a new unsupported, on-foot record for Mount Rainier on May 9, completing the 14.5-mile round-trip in 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 52 seconds, after a broken ski prevented his initial ski record attempt. The achievement is notable given his background as a professional guide and mountaineer, and it highlights his resilience and adaptability in the mountains.
Kearns was originally aiming to break a ski record on Mount Rainier, but a week before the attempt, he snapped his only pair of skis, which made skiing impossible. As a result, he pivoted to an unsupported running attempt, carrying only essential gear, including lightweight shoes, microspikes, and safety equipment. His route followed the standard ascent via the Muir Snowfield and other well-known points, covering approximately 9,000 feet of vertical gain.
He completed the route in 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 52 seconds, beating the previous unsupported, on-foot record of 4 hours, 14 minutes, and 13 seconds set by Alex King in 2021 by more than 30 minutes. Kearns has previously set FKTs on Mount Hood, Mount Massive, and other prominent peaks, emphasizing his focus on speed and endurance in mountain environments.
Why It Matters
This achievement underscores the growing trend of mountaineers and guides pushing speed records on iconic peaks, often in unsupported conditions. It also demonstrates Kearns’s versatility and determination, which are important for both competitive mountaineering and guiding. The record adds to the historical legacy of mountaineering on Mount Rainier, a mountain known for challenging conditions and a long history of record-setting attempts.
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Background
Mount Rainier has long been a site for record attempts, with the earliest documented speed record dating back to 1959. Learn more about Mount Rainier’s significance for climbers. Traditionally, many records were set by guides familiar with the mountain’s conditions. Kearns, a guide with RMI since 2025, has previously held FKTs on other mountains and is part of a community of climbers pushing the limits of speed and endurance on Rainier and beyond. His recent attempt was influenced by a winter with limited snow, which initially led him to plan a ski record before equipment failure shifted his focus to running.
“Getting down and knowing that I was finally done, I was really happy, and realized I could finally rest. I was definitely crying—disbelief that it had gone so well. I didn’t think I would beat the record by so much.”
— Simon Kearns
“I put a lot into this record training for it, and failed a couple of times. This shows how much perseverance and adaptability matter in mountaineering.”
— Kearns
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether Kearns will attempt similar speed records on other mountains or if he plans to revisit the ski record in the future. Details about his next mountaineering goals remain unannounced, and conditions on Mount Rainier could influence future attempts.
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What’s Next
Kearns plans to continue guiding professionally while also pursuing additional FKTs, including a potential record on Long’s Peak. Further updates on his upcoming attempts or whether he will try to reclaim the ski record are expected in the coming months.
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Key Questions
What was Simon Kearns’s initial goal before switching to running?
He aimed to set a ski record on Mount Rainier, but equipment failure prevented this attempt.
How does Kearns’s time compare to previous records?
His time of 3 hours, 43 minutes, and 52 seconds is over 30 minutes faster than the previous unsupported, on-foot record of 4 hours, 14 minutes, and 13 seconds set in 2021.
What equipment did Kearns carry for his record attempt?
He carried lightweight running shoes, microspikes, thermal layers, a crevasse rescue kit, emergency items, a helmet, and ski poles.
Is this record recognized officially?
Yes, it is tracked and verified by the Fastest Known Time (FKT) website, which documents unsupported mountaineering records.
Will Kearns attempt other records or challenges?
He plans to pursue FKTs on other mountains, including Long’s Peak, and continues guiding professionally, with future record attempts likely depending on conditions and opportunities.
Source: Outside
