April 25-May 25, 2026
The Manitou Incline:
31 Day FKT
Tracking will go live on
April 25, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. MT
In October 2023, Eric Klebs set the overall record for the number of laps on the Manitou Incline in one month with 232 laps. At the same time, John Clarke set the self-supported record with 197 laps. Trekking Solo athlete, Jeff Snyder, will set out to smash both records with 250 laps self-supported. A single lap requires ascending and descending the 2768 steps of the Manitou Incline, with the total effort equalling ~500 miles and ~500,000 feet of elevation gain.
1
Lap
=
~2
Miles
&
~2000
ElevATION Gain (ft)
History of the Trail
Originally built in 1907 to service a hydroelectric pipeline, the Manitou Incline was a cable tramway before rock damage evolved it into a legendary test of grit. Over the decades, the trail's rugged evolution from industrial utility to an elite training ground has garnered international acclaim. It gained official public status in 2013, solidifying its place as a premier destination for endurance athletes seeking to test their vertical limits on 2,768 historic steps. Today, the relentless ascent—reaching grades up to 68%—acts as a magnet for hikers pushing the boundaries of human stamina and mental resilience.
Beyond its industrial roots, the Incline has transformed into the ultimate crucible for elite endurance. Here, the world’s most resilient athletes push the boundaries of human capacity, setting legendary Fastest Known Times (FKTs), shattering 24-hour lap counts, and completing multi-day vertical challenges that pile up hundreds of thousands of feet in elevation. These staggering records have carved the trail’s identity as one of the premier endurance testing grounds in North America. On this vertical battlefield, every one of the 2,768 steps is a monument to the relentless pursuit of the impossible.
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Fastest Ascent: Remi Bonnet (17m 16s)
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Most Ascents in
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24 Hours: Brandon Stapanowich (22 laps)
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1 Month: Eric Klebs (232 laps)
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1 Year: Greg Cummings (1,825 laps)
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