Man breaks AT record here in Maine | The Woodsman Hut | Forums

Park officials are not happy with the results

Folks on social media celebrated ultra runner Scott Jurek’s super feat Sunday.

He broke the Appalachian Trail supported hike record on Mount Katahdin, completing the roughly 2,180-mile trail stretching between Georgia and Maine in 46 days, 8 hours and 8 minutes.

That’s according to iRunFar, an online running magazine.

While Baxter State Park officials recognize his “remarkable physical accomplishment,” they took to Facebook Thursday morning to say they aren’t pleased with last weekend’s spectacle.

“We’re impressed with Scott Jurek’s accomplishment, we just don’t think the park is the right place behind his endeavor–is probably a fairly significant corporate contribution and the park is a gift to the people of Maine, we all share it together,” said Director of Baxter State Park Jensen Bissell.

They say Jurek and corporate sponsors were careful not to mention the quote “unfortunate outcomes of the celebration party at Baxter Peak.”

Three summonses were issued to Jurek: drinking alcohol in public places, littering, and hiking with an oversized group.

Additionally, the media was summonsed for violating permit procedure.

“We have some of the most rare habitats in Maine on Katahdin and for many people getting to Baxter Peak is a quiet experience that they achieve together their friends or family and their very respectful of that shared resource. When these large groups roll up. This is a whole different attitude. I’m not sure if I would have wanted to be on Baxter Peak with my 10 year old at the time it happened. I would have had a different experience than what I hoped to,” said Bissell.

Folks on Facebook agree, others not so much.

“As growth and use of the AT is increased and elements like these corporate events come up through the AT we’ve struggled more and more to address the impact on the park,” added Bissell.

Baxter State Park has hosted the Appalachian Trail for years., but its Facebook post says park officials are considering whether this is in the park’s best interest.

Park officials say these “corporate events” have no place in their park.

“It shouldn’t be what most Maine people want. This is a precious gift we have. We’ve had it for a long time, we hope to have it for hundreds of years more and so many people can continue to enjoy the park as the Governor wished in the right, unspoiled way,” said Bissell.

We have reached out to Scott Jurek for comment.

http://wabi.tv/2015/.....ompletion/