At 91, Dale 'Grey Beard' Sanders reclaims record as oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail
Dale Sanders started last Sept. 6 in West Virginia, hiked the nearly 2,200-mile trail in out-of-order sections with breaks in between, and finished Monday atop Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Millinocket, Maine (AP) — At 91 years old, Dale Sanders reclaimed his title as the oldest hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail. Sanders fell 71 times during his journey, with six being considered as hard falls, including one that led to a brief hospitalization and another just 200 yards from the finish line. Despite his age, Sanders managed to finish the 2,193-mile trail, which runs from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.
Sanders first set the record in 2017 at age 82, but his recent accomplishment surpassed the previous attempt. Sanders' friend M.J. Eberhart currently holds the title of the oldest hiker to complete the trail. Sanders started his journey on September 6 in West Virginia, stopping briefly along the way with support from fellow hikers.
He completed the trail on Monday, stopping to pray at the summit of Mount Katahdin. Sanders, whose trail name is Grey Beard, credits his health and support team for his successful completion. Sanders' accomplishment has inspired others and gained him recognition among the hiking community.
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