Karel Sabbe sets new FKT on the Te Araroa Trail
Sabbe crossed the length of New Zealand in a record-breaking 31 Days, 19 hours and 41 minutes
BLUFF, New Zealand - February 16, 2025 - After a grueling 31 days, 19 hours, and 41 minutes on the trail, Belgian ultrarunner Karel Sabbe set a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for traversing the length of New Zealand on foot along the Te Araroa Trail.
Completing the approximately 3000km trail in 31 days, 19 hours, and 41 minutes, Sabbe shattered the previous record by over 17 days. The previous record, set by George Henderson in the summer of 2020, stood at 49 days, 14 hours, and 27 minutes.
Sabbe began his journey on January 16 at 05:00 a.m. local time and averaged around 96 kilometers per day, ending the adventure on February 16th at 23:40 local time. The journey was far from smooth for Sabbe and his crew, who faced their fair share of logistical challenges. From being attacked by wild dogs on the North Island to mistiming the tides for a cliff crossing, the crew kept Sabbe’s loyal followers updated on social media as he went about this adventure.
Having reached Bluff in the late hours of February 16, Sabbe took to social media to thank his crew and the support of the locals:
“Running 96km per day would never have been possible without the karelsabbe_crew. You guys helped me to only have to think about running. Henri, Kobe, Marie, Anna & Emma you are the best. And so many thanks to the New Zealanders and your amazing support, hospitality, and kindness – you took our trail experience to an entirely different level.”
You can find high-resolution images for editorial purposes here©Ben Clement
About the Te Araroa Trail
The Te Araroa spans the length of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and is one of the world’s most diverse long-distance walking trails. Passing over high mountain passes, around volcanoes, sweeping plains, alongside and through rivers and cities and rural towns, the route covers around 43,200 meters of elevation.
About Karel Sabbe
Hailing from the flatlands of Belgium, Karel Sabbe has carved a prominent place for himself in the trail and ultrarunning community. Beyond his notable 2023 Barkley Marathons finish, where he became only the 17th person to complete the grueling event, Sabbe has a proven track record of Fastest Known Time (FKT) achievements. He's twice claimed the men's supported FKT on the Pacific Crest Trail (most recently in 2023), conquered the Appalachian Trail in record time (2018), and sped across the European Alps via the Via Alpina Red route (2021), showcasing his remarkable versatility and stamina across varied landscapes. These accomplishments highlight his dedication to long-distance challenges and his ability to push the boundaries of human endurance.
About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fifteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
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