Ando Masanao Tackles South West Coast Path FKT: A Quarter-Century Running Milestone
Table of Contents
- Ando Masanao Tackles South West Coast Path FKT: A Quarter-Century Running Milestone
- Ando’s 1,000km UK Run: A Journey of Endurance and Self-Discovery
By Archynetys News team
From HOKA Field Rep to Endurance Trailblazer: Ando’s next Chapter
Ando Masanao, a familiar face at HOKA events globally, is embarking on a remarkable challenge to celebrate his 25th year in running. This June, Ando will attempt to break the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on the South West Coast Path, a grueling 1,000km trail winding along England’s southwestern peninsula. His journey will be featured on the “Run the World” podcast, offering listeners an inside look at his readiness and execution.
The South West Coast path: A Vertical Challenge
The South West Coast Path, stretching 1,014km (approximately 630 miles) from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery.Though, its beauty belies a formidable challenge. The path traces a complex rias coastline, resulting in an accumulated elevation gain of approximately 35,000 meters.To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to ascending Mount Everest four times!
This is a course with intense ups and downs, equivalent to four climbs at Mt. Everest.
Ando Masanao
While typical hikers require around two months (approximately 52 days) to complete the trail, the current FKT stands at an remarkable 10 days, 12 hours, and 6 minutes. Ando plans to begin his attempt on June 9th, aiming to complete the course in approximately one month, utilizing a combination of paid leave and weekends.
Why the UK? Exploring new Terrains and Personal Evolution
While North America boasts famous long-distance trails like the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, Ando was drawn to the South West Coast Path for several reasons. Its manageable distance, fitting within his available time off, was a key factor. furthermore, the allure of the unknown played a significant role.
Ando explained, I had no knowledge of British trails, so I decided to take this opportunity to give it a try.
This sentiment reflects a growing trend among endurance athletes seeking novel challenges beyond familiar territories.
The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced Ando’s shift in focus.he noted a change in values regarding trail running, stating that he became more interested in individual challenges like FKT attempts, moving away from the traditional emphasis on 100-mile races.
A Late Bloomer: from Motorcycles to Ultra-Marathons
Ando’s running journey began relatively late in life. While he’s celebrating his 25th year in the sport, he only started running at the age of 37. Prior to that, his passion was motorcycle racing.
When I was young, I was racing motorcycles,
Ando recounted. When I was 37, an old friend asked me if I could return to racing, but at the time I weighed 82kg. I had a body that didn’t suit my leather thrush at all. I started running to fit my body with Tsunagi, and I became so absorbed in the world of running.
Despite initial struggles, ando’s dedication transformed him into a formidable ultra-marathoner. A pivotal moment came during the 246km Spartathlon, where he finished 14th. This experience shifted his perspective, leading him to approach ultra-marathons with a newfound seriousness.
in 2012, at the age of 50, Ando achieved an impressive fifth-place finish at the 100 miles of OSJ Ontake Ultra Trail, clocking in at 18 hours and 56 minutes. He fondly remembers sharing the podium with Kaburagi Takeshi, the race winner.
Embracing the “Travel Run”: A return to Roots
Ando’s FKT attempt on the South West Coast Path represents a shift from competitive racing to a more personal “travel run,” aligning with his evolving values and rekindling his passion for exploration. This challenge embodies the spirit of adventure and self-finding that defines the modern trail running movement.
Ando’s 1,000km UK Run: A Journey of Endurance and Self-Discovery
Ando prepares for his epic 1,000km journey across the UK. (Image: Placeholder)
From Charity Runs to Epic Adventures: Ando’s Evolving Passion
Veteran runner Ando is set to embark on an remarkable challenge: a 1,000km run across the UK. This isn’t just another race for Ando; it’s a deeply personal journey rooted in his experiences with charity runs and a lifelong love for exploration. His previous experiences with charity runs have shaped his approach to this challenge.
Reflecting on a past experience, Ando shared:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, I ran a charity run during the company’s Volunteer Week… I spent several days running from Nihonbashi in Tokyo to Soma City in Fukushima Prefecture.The style of running like a lodging trip along the way was a very refreshing and good experience for me. I had a different kind of fun than a race, such as interacting with local people.
This “running as a trip” philosophy echoes ando’s earlier passion for motorcycle touring. He sees a natural progression from touring to racing and back to a more travel-oriented style of running. This mirrors a broader trend in endurance sports, where athletes are increasingly seeking experiences that combine physical challenge with cultural immersion and personal growth.
Embracing Change: A Lifelong Runner’s Philosophy
At 63, Ando attributes his longevity in running to his ability to adapt and find new ways to enjoy the sport. He emphasizes that the values associated with running are subjective and evolve over time. This adaptability has allowed him to sustain his passion for running over many years.
Ando’s philosophy is simple:
The values of running vary from person to person. Fortunately, in my case, my values have changed with the times, so I have been able to continue for so long.
Ando’s preparation for the 1,000km run is meticulous, blending his running experience with ultralight thru-hiking principles. Unlike traditional race training,his approach focuses on consistent daily running and monthly mountain runs.This strategy prioritizes endurance and resilience over peak performance.
flexible Accommodation and Ultralight Gear
Drawing from his charity run experience, Ando plans to maintain versatility in his accommodation arrangements, allowing him to adapt to the conditions on the ground. He will carry essential gear, including a sleeping bag and basic food, opting for robust shelters over ultra-light models to withstand the rigors of long-term use.
In a departure from modern GPS tracking, Ando intends to navigate using only an analog guidebook and a clock. This decision reflects his desire to connect with the habitat in a more natural way, emphasizing the journey over precise distance management. This approach aligns with the growing interest in “unplugged” adventures, where participants seek to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.
Ando explains his navigation style:
Although it’s FKT, I don’t manage distances with GPS tracking, but this time I’m planning to go with just an analog guidebook and clock.
Weather Considerations
Despite the relatively mild temperatures expected in the UK in June (10-20°C), Ando has carefully selected his equipment to account for potential strong winds along the coast, which could significantly impact perceived temperature.
Inspiration and Future Plans
Ando’s aspiring undertaking is sure to inspire runners worldwide. His family, accustomed to his past adventures, fully supports his latest endeavor. With less than a month remaining before his departure, Ando welcomes support and encouragement from the running community.
Upon his return, Ando plans to share his experiences with others:
If I return home safely, I would love to talk to DogsorCaravan about what this trip would have been like.
