Wearing a sun hat, aviator sunglasses, and a heavy backpack, John Jepkema of Craig, Colorado leaned against the Bright Angel Trailhead. To anyone passing, Jepkema looked like just another of the 5.9 million people who visit the Grand Canyon each year. But after an exhausting five-day overnight trek, Jepkema, at age 91, had become the oldest person to cross the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim on foot.
Of the accomplishment, Jepkema was a man of simple words, telling Guinness World Records in March, “It was something to do with my friends.” Back in early November 2019, the Colorado resident decided to spend five days backpacking the Arizona national park along with four friends. He was the oldest among the group, with the youngest two members in their mid-60s, according to a video filmed by one of his friends that documented the record-breaking accomplishment.
Realizing the record was “open,” Jepkema decided to pursue the challenge. The group started from the North Rim at the top of North Kaibab Trail. Their journey would take them 14.3 miles past waterfalls and cacti to the canyon’s bottom. From there, Jepkema and his hiker pals would climb 9.6 miles to the top of Bright Angel Trail, making use of the park’s various campgrounds along their journey.
Before he embarked on his expedition, Jepkema trained for four months to prepare: He would walk five to eight miles at least five days a week and also wore a backpack, starting at 20 pounds before gradually increasing the weight to over 30 pounds. “I did lots of walking with a full pack and as much trail and elevation changes as possible,” he told Guinness World Records.
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