Geert van Nispen will try at the end of August to break the Known Time Record on the French Way (self-sufficient style).

The Dutch ultrarunner Geert van Nispen announces that at the end of August (27 August between 8 and 9 AM) he will undertake an ambitious feat: to improve the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the mythical French Way, in the mode self-sufficient.
The French Way: a path with history
The French Way is undoubtedly the most emblematic pilgrimage route in the vast network of routes leading to Santiago de Compostela. Since the 9th century, thousands of walkers have covered its more than 780 km, starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, at the foot of the French Pyrenees, and crossing northern Spain on a winding journey to the majestic cathedral of Compostela. Cultural heritage, spiritual experience and physical test all in one. No other route arouses so much passion, tells so many stories and accumulates so many anecdotes of glory and suffering.

The challenge: breaking a legendary record
The current self-sufficient record is held by Britain's Xander Hartwood, who completed the route in 8 days, 9 hours, 16 minutes and 12 seconds. In the women's category, the record belongs to Natasha Tile, with 13 days, 8 hours and 44 minutes (September-October 2024). Geert has a clear goal: to walk the approximately 784 km and 13 000 m of positive height gain of the French Way in less than 8 days and 9 hours, without external support, taking with him everything he needs.
Experience to back it up
This is not the first time Van Nispen has broken into the FKT community. In April this year he set an impressive self-sufficient record in the North Road: 10 days, 22 hours, 36 minutes, 29 seconds from Irún to Santiago, shaving more than four days off the previous record. Sleeping rough or in humble hostels, stocking up in local shops and drinking from public fountains, Geert fused the essence of the pilgrim with the passion of the ultrarunner. That adventure forged the basis for his next great undertaking.
Strategy and verification
As a FastestKnownTime.com "Premier" route, the attempt requires rigorous documentation. Geert will be equipped with a GPS device for real-time tracking and will provide all the required evidence after the finish: routes, photographic evidence and supply records. His approach is as minimalist as it is intelligent: go fast, but with a head; light, but without giving up the essentials; determined, but always attentive to body and terrain cues.
Why we care
- The French Way is the busiest long-distance route in the world, steeped in history and spirituality.
- Self-sufficient FKTs set a trend: achieving extreme goals without external support, with full transparency.
- Geert embodies the balance between physical challenge and introspection: stories full of courage, honesty and nature.
- This is part of a larger project: a long journey on foot across Europe, combining adventure, discovery and personal growth.
The adventure continues
The exact departure date is confirmed: 27 August between 8 and 9 AM. Media, pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts are invited to follow Geert's every step via the live GPS tracking and daily updates on Instagram. It's not just a race against the stopwatch, but a constant dance with the landscape, the weather... and with himself.
Don't miss any adventure in the Pyrenees!