Would-be record holder charged with cutting switchbacks during speed run of Grand Teton

When Michelino Sunseri, 32, set off from the Lupine Meadows trailhead in Grand Teton National Park, his goal was to return with a Fastest Known Time (FKT) record. 

Sunseri is a mountain runner living in Idaho who holds at least eight other FKT records. He had been training for months and finally attempted the 13.2 mile summit-and-return record of Grand Teton in early September.

Two hours, 50 minutes and 50 seconds later, Sunseri was back in the parking lot celebrating. He had beat the previous record, which had stood for 12 years, by more than two minutes.

Sunseri’s sponsor, The North Face, was quick to congratulate the runner, but the official FKT organization delayed posting his record as controversy grew. 

During his run, Sunseri cut the section of the trail that connects Garnet Canyon to Lupine Meadows, the largest switchback on the descent. After hearing about the cut switchback, FKT disqualified Sunseri’s attempt. 

“Based on our conversation with the NPS and in accordance with our own guidelines, we have decided to reject Sunseri’s submission,” Allison Mercer, Fastest Known Time director, told WyoFile in an email. “We discussed it extensively” before reaching the decision, she added. 

Facing charges

Now, Grand Teton National Park rangers have confirmed that the park is formally charging Sunseri with ignoring the posted signs that warn visitors to stay on the trail. Sunseri must appear in court to answer the charges.

One reason why this infraction is being treated so seriously is because of the publicity Sunseri’s climb received. The North Face has removed their celebratory post from their page after they were accused of promoting illegal activity. 

“It was a very public violation of NPS regulations, shared in such a public way by this influencer and sponsored athlete in association with his effort to achieve the fastest known time goal,” public information officer Emily Davis told National Park Traveler. 

Cutting a switchback is a misdemeanor that carries a fine of $5,000 or 6 months in jail. Sunseri must appear in court on November 19.