Karel Sabbe

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.