91-year-old Tennessee man Dale Sanders, known as ‘Grey Beard’, completes 2,193-mile Appalachian Trail after 71 falls, including 6 hard falls, reclaims record as oldest hiker

Dale Sanders has reclaimed his record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail after hiking 2,193 miles (3,530 kilometres) across the eastern United States at the age of 91.The Tennessee man, whose trail name is “Grey Beard”, counted 71 falls during his latest attempt, including six he described as particularly hard. One resulted in a brief hospitalisation, while another happened just 200 yards from the finish, as reported by AP.Despite the setbacks, Sanders refused to let the falls permanently derail his journey along the iconic trail, which stretches from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine.He completed the hike on Monday at the summit of Maine’s highest peak. At the trail's endpoint, Sanders paused to pray at the sign marking the summit and thanked God, his support team and everyone who had helped him complete the challenge.Dale Sanders first set the record at 82Sanders first became the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail in 2017, when he was 82. Four years later, 83-year-old M.J. Eberhart, known on the trail as “Nimblewill Nomad”, surpassed his record.Sanders subsequently announced plans to reclaim the title, but his second attempt proved considerably more demanding than his first.Although he had trained for six months before returning to the trail, Sanders admitted that he did not feel he was in his best physical condition.He said his age was ultimately a reminder of just how unusual his achievement was, noting that at 91 he was “blazing new ground” by taking on such long-distance hikes.Six serious falls and a hospital scareThe physical challenges became particularly intense during Sanders’ journey.In June, while descending Killington Mountain in Vermont, he fell forward in a boulder field, scraping his legs, arms and hands. Thankfully, he avoided any broken bones and continued hiking despite being badly bruised and bloodied.Several weeks later, his left arm became numb and he was taken to a hospital in Maine. Doctors initially feared that he had suffered a stroke, but the problem was ultimately diagnosed as a pinched nerve.Although Sanders was cleared to return to the trail, the experience made him consider abandoning the attempt.He briefly returned to his home in Tennessee in early August to support his wife following the death of her mother. His wife encouraged him to continue, and Sanders eventually resumed his journey.His mission became bigger than reclaiming the recordAs Sanders travelled through different sections of the Appalachian Trail, he discovered that his journey had begun to mean more than simply reclaiming his title.Some of his favourite stretches were in Pennsylvania, where he enjoyed well-maintained trails and support from so-called “trail angels” who brought him food and drinks.Sanders also attracted a growing following online, something that surprised him. Thousands of people began tracking his progress and sharing messages of encouragement.While reclaiming the record remained an important goal, Sanders said inspiring other people had gradually become more significant.His journey also left an impression on fellow hikers. Meredith Ewenson, who encountered Sanders while leading a group hike in New Hampshire, said seeing him tackle the trail at 91 was an experience she would remember for years.She recalled being stunned by his mobility and fitness, particularly given his age.Sanders has completed several extraordinary challengesSanders was born in Kentucky in 1935, two years before the Appalachian Trail was completed. He was bullied as a child because of his small stature but gained confidence through individual sports including acrobatics and swimming.He later served in the US Navy and spent a long career working in parks and recreation before retiring in 2002.The Appalachian Trail is far from his only endurance achievement. Sanders has also set several age-related records, including becoming the oldest person to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi River. He completed the 87-day journey after beginning it on his 87th birthday.During his latest Appalachian Trail adventure, Sanders continued to tackle fallen trees, steep sections and difficult scrambles despite the physical toll.On one 12-mile (19-kilometre) day, he became so tired that he lay down on the trail and announced that he needed a “power nap”. He briefly fell asleep before getting back up just two minutes later and continuing his hike.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.