DENVER, COLORADO – In a bold and ambitious endeavor, renowned mountaineers Andrea Sansone and Andrew Hamilton are setting out to establish the Co-Ed Colorado 14er speed record as a couple. Their journey begins this week, with a planned start time of 3:30 AM on Wednesday in Chicago Basin, accessed via the train from Durango. This attempt follows their storied history of record-breaking climbs and remarkable achievements in the mountaineering community.
The couple, who thrive in the mountains together, have been meticulously training and scouting throughout June, preparing for this monumental project. Despite their apprehension and the physical ailments they’ve battled, they are determined to give it everything they have, supported by a dedicated crew, Andrea’s sisters, friends, and sponsors like Arc’teryx Colorado.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Past Achievements and Preparations
Andrew Hamilton is no stranger to setting records on Colorado’s highest peaks. In 2003, he first set the self-supported speed record for climbing all 58 of the 14,000-foot peaks, completing the feat in 19 days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. He improved upon this achievement twice, with his most recent supported record in 2015, completing all 58 peaks in just 9 days, 21 hours, and 51 minutes. In 2018, he added another notable accomplishment by setting the winter speed record for climbing all the 14ers in 84 days, 13 hours, and 57 minutes, a record that stood until 2023.
Andrea Sansone has also made her mark in the mountaineering world. In 2022, she set the record for climbing the most 14ers in a 24-hour period, summiting 12 peaks in 22 hours and 16 minutes. Her perseverance and dedication to the sport have been nothing short of inspirational.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
The Challenge Ahead
The challenge ahead is daunting. Completing all 58 of Colorado’s 14,000-foot peaks in record time is an immense test of endurance, strategy, and resilience. The couple acknowledges the inherent risks and uncertainties, with Sansone admitting that even if everything goes perfectly, they only have a 50% chance of success.
In her announcement on Facebook, Sansone expressed their fear of failure and the pressure to not let their crew and community down. However, the support from their team and the mountaineering community bolsters their resolve. Their approach underscores the unpredictability of such a challenging endeavor, emphasizing that lessons will be learned regardless of the outcome, and their adventures will continue.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Follow Their Journey
Sansone and Hamilton invite supporters to follow their progress through their tracker links and updates on Instagram and the 14ers.com forum. They hope to inspire others with their effort, regardless of the result, and to share a bit of the joy they find in the mountains.
As they embark on this extraordinary journey, Andrea Sansone and Andrew Hamilton exemplify the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. Their attempt to set the Co-Ed Colorado 14er speed record stands as a testament to their dedication, passion, and the strength of their partnership.
Andrea’s Tracker: https://share.garmin.com/andreasansone
Andrew’s Tracker: https://share.garmin.com/14ers
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