Thomas Smith (left) and Kristen Monahan take a selfie from the Greenstone Ridge Trail on Isle Royale. Monahan completed the 40.6-mile traverse of the trail in record time, shattering the previous record by nearly three hours. (Photo courtesy of Visit Keweenaw)

HOUGHTON — Isle Royale National Park, one of the nation’s most remote and rugged destinations, was the stage for a historic athletic achievement this month. Kristen Monahan, assistant Nordic ski coach at Michigan Technological University, set the fastest known time ever recorded by a woman on the park’s iconic Greenstone Ridge Trail. Monahan completed the 40.6-mile traverse in 8 hours and 4 minutes, shattering the previous women’s record by nearly three hours.

She was joined by her partner and fellow MTU Nordic ski coach, Thomas Smith, who ran the second-fastest men’s time ever recorded on the trail. Together, the pair completed the self-supported endurance feat while carrying their own supplies, filtering water on the route, and navigating Isle Royale’s wild backcountry.

“This was more than just a race against the clock,” said Smith. “The real purpose was to experience the adventure and explore the island. We’re really stoked about Kristen’s time, but even more grateful for the chance to share the trail with others and experience Isle Royale’s incredible beauty.”

The Greenstone Ridge Trail, often described as the backbone of Isle Royale, stretches across the island with over 5,100 feet of elevation gain. The record-setting effort required detailed planning, from ferry logistics to nutrition strategy.

“It’s pretty complicated,” Monahan explained. “You need to know where water sources are, what to carry for emergencies, and how to fuel properly. I was taking in about 100 grams of carbohydrates and 300 to 400 calories an hour to keep going.”

The pair also encountered uniquely Isle Royale challenges, including a moose that forced them to bushwhack through the woods. But Monahan said the journey was about more than endurance: “The experience was special because of its unique sense of community and the friendly interactions with other visitors. The park’s remote nature makes it unlike anywhere else.”

Their accomplishment has been submitted to Fastest Known Time, the global tracking authority for endurance records, for official recognition. Previous women’s record-holder Alice Held set the benchmark at 11 hours, 2 minutes in 2021.

“This achievement showcases not just world-class athletic ability, but also the incredible adventure opportunities found in the Keweenaw and Isle Royale,” said Brad Barnett, Executive Director at Visit Keweenaw. “We’re proud to celebrate Kristen and Thomas for pushing boundaries and highlighting the rugged spirit of our region.”