Dale Sanders Reclaims Record as Oldest Hiker to Complete Appalachian Trail
2 sources across 2 countries · United Kingdom · United States
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- The Guardian
- Associated Press
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- Right
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Dale Sanders, a 91 year old hiker from Tennessee, has reclaimed the record as the oldest person to complete the Appalachian Trail. Known by the trail name Grey Beard, Sanders finished the 2,193 mile journey on Monday atop Mount Katahdin in Maine. He first set the record in 2017 at age 82, but he was overtaken four years later by MJ Eberhart, who completed the trail at age 83.
Sanders began this most recent attempt on September 6, 2025, in West Virginia. During the hike, he reported falling 71 times. These incidents included a fall in a boulder field in Vermont and a pinched nerve that required a brief hospitalization in Maine. Despite these challenges and a period of doubt while visiting his wife in Tennessee, he continued the trek with the support of his family and social media followers.
Sanders, a retired parks and recreation professional and navy veteran, has a history of age related athletic achievements. In 2022, he became the oldest person to paddle the entire length of the Mississippi River. Upon reaching the summit in Maine, Sanders expressed gratitude to God and his support team.
How each side framed it
- Centre-left
- The reporting emphasized the grueling nature of the hike and the personal perseverance of the hiker.
- Centre
- The reporting focused on the factual reclamation of the record.
Sources
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