Andrew Skurka

Andrew Skurka grew up in Seekonk, Massachusetts, and enrolled at Duke University expecting a Wall Street career before pivoting to long-distance hiking after working at a high-adventure summer camp and thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. In 2005, he completed the 7,778-mile Sea-to-Sea Route from the Atlantic to the Pacific via the Northern Rockies, earning Backpacker magazine's Person of the Year. In 2007, he completed the 6,875-mile Great Western Loop, linking five long-distance trails, 12 national parks, and over 75 wilderness areas in 208 days, averaging 33 miles per day. That achievement earned him National Geographic Adventure's Adventurer of the Year. He also finished second at the Leadville 100 in 2008, demonstrating legitimate ultrarunning credentials alongside his thru-hiking resume. Skurka now runs Andrew Skurka Adventures, guiding trips and teaching backpacking skills.