Use GPS Tracking to Record Your Fastest Known Time (FKT)

11 Jun 2018

Trail enthusiasts have long enjoyed timing themselves on various trails, recording their steps and sharing their achievements with other hikers. Today, technological advancements have made it even easier to track, record, document and share these incredible milestones with each other. Fastest Known Time is one site dedicated to sharing incredible achievements from around the globe.

Any hiker, runner or trail enthusiast is encouraged to join the website and participate in setting and achieving their goals. This website will help you document your journey and progress as you attempt to break world records. You can participate by visiting the sight, picking a trail you’d like to tackle, declaring your goal and then tracking your results. Participants are encouraged to utilize personal GPS tracking to document and verify their steps and times.

GPS tracking for hiking works when the user activates the device. Some trail blazers choose to wear their GPS devices on their bodies, and others leave their GPS devices in their backpacks. Runners can utilize GPS phone apps, watches or specific devices. These signals are transmitted every few seconds or minutes, and they record how far you traveled and how quickly you completed the trail.

Fastest Known Time also suggests that you take photos along your trail to help fill in any missing gaps in data from your GPS. Photos often contain GPS time stamps to help validate your incredible skill.

Fastest Known Time trail endeavors are traditionally done alone. Self-supported missions allow hikers to utilize the resources that are available to everyone. There are also “supported” trails that allow hikers to complete trails with the assistance of a support team, and “unsupported” trails are done without any outside help.

Some areas are so far in the woods that GPS supported device may not function properly. They can quickly lose battery power attempting to search for service, so it’s important to practice using your devices and know their limitations.

Joe Grant is currently the website’s biggest record holder. He has taken on 57 different peaks in Colorado and hiked over 14,000 feet. He explains how Fastest Known Time achievements are thrilling, but the experience of traveling the peaks far exceeds all else.

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About George Karonis

George Karonis is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of LiveViewGPS Inc., a company he established in 2008 with the vision of making real-time GPS tracking more reliable, affordable, and accessible for businesses of all sizes. Over the past two decades, he has built a reputation as an innovator in GPS tracking, fleet management, asset monitoring, and Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PTToC) communications. Under George's leadership, LiveViewGPS has grown into a nationally recognized provider of GPS tracking solutions, serving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, law enforcement organizations, and public works departments throughout the United States. The company's technology helps organizations improve operational efficiency, protect valuable assets, increase driver safety, and reduce operating costs through real-time location intelligence. Before founding LiveViewGPS, George developed a background in security, surveillance, and emerging location technologies. His passion for innovation and practical problem solving has driven the development of products that combine dependable hardware with easy-to-use cloud software, giving customers actionable information when it matters most. In 2018, George expanded into nationwide Push-to-Talk over Cellular communications by launching PeakPTT, providing businesses with rugged, instant communication solutions that operate over LTE and Wi-Fi networks. His focus has remained the same throughout his career: delivering dependable technology backed by exceptional customer service and long-term customer relationships. George regularly writes about GPS tracking, fleet management, asset protection, business technology, and communication systems. Through this blog, he shares industry insights, practical advice, and emerging trends to help organizations make informed decisions about tracking technology and connected operations.