Kilian Jornet: The King of the Mountains and the GOAT of Trail Running

(Photo: AFP Contributor/Getty)

Kilian Jornet was born on October 27, 1987, in Sabadell, a town near Barcelona, Spain. However, he spent most of his childhood in the Catalan Pyrenees, where his father worked as a mountain hut caretaker and guide, and his mother was a schoolteacher. The family's alpine lifestyle had a profound impact on young Kilian, and by the age of 3, he had climbed his first mountain, Tuc de Molières (9,100 feet). By the age of 5, he completed a seven-hour trek in the Pyrenees.

His childhood revolved around exploring the mountains, skiing, hiking, and running through rugged terrain. Jornet has often said that he was "born in a backpack," carried by his parents during their mountaineering adventures. This early exposure to the outdoors helped forge his physical endurance, mental toughness, and love for the wilderness—qualities that would become hallmarks of his career.

Jornet attended the Catalan High Mountain Sports Centre, where he formally trained in ski mountaineering, a sport that combines alpine skiing with mountaineering and technical climbing. This laid the foundation for his unparalleled versatility in mountain sports, as he seamlessly transitioned between trail running, ultrarunning, and ski mountaineering.

Dominating Trail Running: A Career of Unparalleled Success

Kilian Jornet’s professional trail running career began in his late teens, and it didn’t take long for him to become the most dominant force in the sport. His performances in ultramarathons, skyrunning, and mountain challenges have redefined the limits of human endurance and technical skill.

Key Career Highlights

1. Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB)

The Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) is considered the pinnacle of trail running, covering 171 kilometers (106 miles) around the Mont Blanc massif, with over 10,000 meters (32,800 feet) of elevation gain. Jornet has won the race four times:

• 2008 Victory: At just 20 years old, Jornet stunned the ultra-running world by winning UTMB in his debut appearance. His victory set the stage for a decade of dominance in trail running.

• Subsequent Wins: He went on to win UTMB in 2009, 2011, and 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the race’s all-time greats.

2. Hardrock 100

The Hardrock 100 is one of the toughest 100-mile ultramarathons in the world, with over 33,000 feet of elevation gain and terrain that includes steep climbs, technical descents, and high-altitude passes. Jornet has won the race five times:

• 2014-2017: He won four consecutive races, becoming a fan favorite for his incredible speed and humility.

• 2017 Shoulder Incident: Jornet famously dislocated his shoulder mid-race, popped it back into place on his own, and still went on to win.

• 2022 Victory: His fifth Hardrock win came with a record-setting time of 21 hours, 36 minutes, further solidifying his dominance.

3. Zegama-Aizkorri

The Zegama-Aizkorri Marathon is a 42-kilometer (26-mile) skyrace in Spain’s Basque region, known for its steep climbs, technical trails, and passionate spectators. Jornet has won the race a record-breaking ten times, an achievement unmatched in the event's history.

4. Record-Breaking Achievements in FKTs

Jornet has also set multiple Fastest Known Times (FKTs) on iconic mountains:

• Mont Blanc (Europe): From Chamonix to the summit and back in 4 hours, 57 minutes.

• Matterhorn (Switzerland): Ascended and descended in 2 hours, 52 minutes, breaking the previous record by 20 minutes.

• Denali (Alaska): Set an FKT of 11 hours, 48 minutes from base camp to the summit and back.

• Mount Everest (Himalayas): In 2017, Jornet summited Everest twice in one week without supplemental oxygen or fixed ropes. His first ascent took 26 hours from base camp to summit, and the second took 17 hours.

The Summits of My Life Project

In 2012, Kilian Jornet launched the Summits of My Life project, an ambitious multi-year initiative to set speed records on some of the most iconic mountains around the world. The project combined his passion for exploration, adventure, and pushing the boundaries of human performance.

The project included:

1. Mont Blanc (Europe)

2. Matterhorn (Europe)

3. Denali (North America)

4. Aconcagua (South America)

5. Mount Everest (Asia)

The project wasn’t just about records—it was a deeply personal journey for Jornet, highlighting his philosophy of finding joy and meaning in the mountains.

What Makes Kilian Jornet Exceptional?

1. Physical Fitness

Jornet’s aerobic capacity is off the charts. His VO2 max—a measure of how efficiently his body uses oxygen—has been recorded at 92 ml/kg/min, one of the highest ever recorded in a human.

2. Versatility

Few athletes can dominate such a wide range of disciplines, from short technical skyraces to 100-mile ultras and mountaineering expeditions. Jornet seamlessly transitions between these challenges with world-class skill.

3. Mental Toughness

Jornet’s ability to endure extreme fatigue, altitude sickness, and sleep deprivation sets him apart. He thrives in conditions where most athletes would quit, often describing his mindset as “calm suffering.”

Sustainability and Advocacy

Jornet is a vocal advocate for sustainability and environmental conservation. In 2020, he founded the Kilian Jornet Foundation, which focuses on protecting mountain ecosystems and promoting sustainable practices. His philosophy emphasizes living simply and respecting the natural world, values he integrates into both his lifestyle and career.

Books and Films

Kilian Jornet has shared his experiences and philosophy through books and documentaries:

• "Run or Die" (2011): A memoir detailing his journey as a runner and mountaineer.

• "Summits of My Life" Documentary Series: Chronicles his adventures on iconic peaks.

• "Above the Clouds" (2020): Reflects on his love for the mountains and his life philosophy.

Legacy: The GOAT of Trail Running

Kilian Jornet isn’t just an athlete; he’s a cultural icon and a pioneer in the world of trail running and mountain sports. His records, victories, and FKTs have inspired millions to explore their own limits, while his humility, love for nature, and passion for adventure have made him a beloved figure in the outdoor community.

Whether winning the UTMB, breaking records on Everest, or advocating for sustainable living, Jornet continues to redefine what’s possible in endurance sports. His legacy will endure as a reminder of the extraordinary potential of the human body and spirit.

Conclusion: The King of the Mountains

Kilian Jornet’s career is a testament to the power of passion, grit, and a love for the outdoors. He has not only achieved unprecedented feats in trail running but has also inspired a generation of athletes to reconnect with nature and push their limits. As he continues to explore new challenges and advocate for the environment, Jornet’s impact will resonate far beyond the mountains he’s conquered.