Karel Sabe has set a world record for the fastest crossing of America in 46 days

Karel Sabbe (33) from Anzegem completed the Pacific Crest route in 46 days. It is no less than 4,286 kilometers across the United States from the border of Mexico to Canada. The course is the fastest time ever run and is therefore an absolute world record. Sabe originally wanted to do it in 50 days, but far exceeded his expectations. He finished in (unconfirmed time) 46 days, 12 hours and 56 minutes.

In addition to his work as a dentist, Karel Sabe from Waregem is also an avid runner. In recent years, Karel has taken on many big challenges and has already managed to add great things to his palms. For example, in 2018, he completed the 3,500-kilometer Appalachian Trail in the Appalachian Mountains in the United States in 41 days, 7 hours and 39 minutes. In 2021, Karel completed a journey of no less than 2,650 kilometers through the Alps in 30 days, 8 hours and 57 minutes.

Just this year, Karel became the first Belgian to complete the grueling Barkley Marathons in the United States. It is a 160 kilometer race in which runners must find their own route and finish within 60 hours. Now Karel has completed the Pacific Crest for the second time in less than 7 weeks.

Karel had already completed the Pacific Crest route in 2016. He then covered 4,286 kilometers in 52 days, 8 hours and 25 minutes, which was already a world record at that time. A Dutchman broke that record in 2021 by taking 51 days. But it clearly stung Karel. In 2022, he shared a photo on Strava saying he would like to return sometime to reclaim his record. Now successfully. Because Karel managed to complete the journey within 46 days.

Not without a fight

The journey was not without struggle for Karel. Initially, the heat made it difficult for him and his crew to find a good rhythm of walking and sleeping, and how to avoid the hottest part of the day. But Karel and his team continued through the wind and weather and through the snow on the highest peaks. In the final days, he had to take a detour of about 110 kilometers due to a nearby forest fire, meaning he ends up with a few extra kilometers on the clock.

But Karel was cheerful and persevering throughout the journey. This is how he entered the new territory after already 850 kilometers. He was cheered on by a group of friends and family. But many supporters and other avid runners in America waited for him, sometimes walking with him. The team tried to provide regular updates on the progress of the trip via social media. And of course healthy snacks were discussed:

(Read more under Instagram post)

Carl Group

During the Pacific Crest Trail, Karel describes on social media, being supported by an amazing group of people. Cobb is a running coach, helping Karel maintain pace throughout the run. Henry has known Karel since high school, and he designed the site to allow people to follow Karel and help him keep up the momentum.

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Anna was the niece of Karel’s wife and drove the course in the car. She provided food, drinks and was responsible for all other fresh supplies and needs. Eric helped keep rhythm with Karel on the first part of the trip.

But Karel’s family was also there. His parents Vivian Vanlerberge and Peter Sabe continued the adventure along with Karel’s son Jack (3). And they served in addition to their role as a supporter. “We do laundry. Every four days we get a big bag of smelly sportswear and socks,” laughs Vivian. “Karel is tired and thin. You can see his ribs, but his feet are still beautiful. With this we traveled, enjoying comfortable cities and beautiful nature. Every two or three days we ran into Karel. How Jack walked or cycled to his father. And it was always wonderful to see how he was called in. It gave him extra motivation,” Vivian and Peter conclude with pride.

🥳🥳🥳 We have received confirmation of the same #Karelsabe Reached the northern terminus.
Unofficial #FKT On top of that #PCT 46 days 12 hours 56 minutes
🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾 pic.twitter.com/gtuYHVlWG0

— Frank Decorte (@FrankDecorte) August 26, 2023