Kenneth Glad
The climb followed years of preparation, setbacks and narrow weather windows. On Everest, speed depends on more than strength alone.
Tyler C. Andrews, an American endurance athlete, has broken a long-standing Mount Everest speed record, reaching the summit from Base Camp in 9 hours, 55 minutes and 43 seconds, People reports.
The 36-year-old left Base Camp at 7:11 p.m. on May 27 and reached the top at 5:06 a.m. on May 28, using the Southeast Ridge route.
His time beat the oxygen-assisted mark set in 2003 by Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa, who climbed it in 10 hours, 56 minutes and 46 seconds, writes Runner’s World.
A setback days earlier
Four days before the record, Andrews turned around near the summit. Weather and logistical problems ended that push while he was still on record pace.
Everest speed records are hard to compare neatly. Snow, wind, crowds, fixed lines, oxygen systems and route conditions can all change the difficulty of an attempt.
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Both Andrews and Gelu Sherpa used supplemental oxygen. According to Runner’s World, Andrews began using it at Camp 2.
Six years built the attempt
The American athlete said the result came after nearly six years of preparation, seven attempts and three climbing seasons:
“This was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, mentally and physically. I’ve been preparing for this for almost six years, seven attempts over three seasons. I had no doubt that I was in the best physical shape of my life thanks to my preparation and guidance from my team at Human Power Health. But, you don’t just need to be super fit, you need cooperation from the mountain, the weather, the crowds. Everything has to align.”
Andrews has built a career between elite running and high-altitude climbing. His previous records include Aconcagua in 2023, completed in 11 hours, 24 minutes and 46 seconds, and Kilimanjaro that same year in 6 hours, 37 minutes and 57 seconds.
Andrews returned to Base Camp in 16 hours and 32 minutes, setting a reported round-trip record, writes People.
“I’d still like to break the Everest record without supplemental oxygen, but I think I need a break from Everest for now. I’ve still got a lot of racing and other records I’d like to chase,” he said.
Sources: People, Runner’s World.
