Unknown
Karel Sabbe
UltrarunnerKnown for:
Belgian dentist who holds FKTs on the Pacific Crest Trail (2023), Appalachian Trail (2018), and Via Alpina (2021). Barkley Marathons finisher. Te Araroa FKT holder (2025). Big's Backyard Ultra World Champion.
Sponsored by: On Running, Ultimate Direction, Tailwind Nutrition, Ledlenser, Cykell, Volvo
Karel Sabbe was born in Waregem, Belgium, and works as a dentist. He ran his first marathon in 2014 and rapidly ascended to the top of the ultra-distance FKT world. In 2018 he set the Appalachian Trail FKT at 41 days, 7 hours, and 39 minutes. In 2023, he reclaimed the PCT FKT with a time of 46 days, 12 hours, and 50 minutes, beating the previous record by five days and averaging approximately 58 miles per day across 2,650 miles. He became a Barkley Marathons finisher and the Big's Backyard Ultra World Champion. In February 2025, he set the Te Araroa (New Zealand) FKT at 31 days, 19 hours, and 40 minutes, beating the previous record by over 17 days. He manages to maintain his dental practice alongside his running career.
Karel Sabbe's Gear List(2)
Product description
On's Missiongrip rubber outsole with 2.5mm lugs and 50% more ground contact than its predecessor. Stack height is 30mm with 5mm drop, weighing approximately 289g in men's US 9. The shallow lugs suit non-technical, runnable ultra terrain. Single-piece engineered mesh upper with targeted reinforcement zones.
Connection note
Primary trail shoe for PCT FKT
Ultimate Direction
Product description
Trail running vests from 1L race designs to the 13.5L Mountain Vest 6.0. Ultra Vest 6.0 holds 10.3 liters at 223g without bottles, with front pockets for 500ml Body Bottles. All models compatible with 2L bladders. Spans short-distance race to mountain-running multi-day configurations.
Connection note
Running vest sponsor
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Last updated March 18, 2026