Gunning for the Appalachian Trail – Kristian Morgan

Kristian Morgan, Ultra runner, Coach, Leki Ambassador and podcast host sat down with Ultrarunner Magazine to have a chat about all things Ultras. Talking us through his childhood and the boxing club that led him into Ultra running, he discusses the power of the mind and self-belief!

“I remember Tupac Shakur’s mother Afeni Shakur said, “Son, if you don’t have anything to live for in your life, then you better find something to die for”. I know it sounds insane and a bit weird, but that ‘thing’ for me is Ultras. I am prepared to die for this sport, and at some points, I have believed that I might”.

Pacing for Karel Sabbe on the Appalachian Trail, Kristian became inspired to have a go at the record for himself, but during a global pandemic and unable to make it to America, Kristian turned his eye to Damian Hall’s record on the South West Coast path and shaved a remarkable three hours off the FKT to set a new record.  

“When I was a child, growing up in Australia, I would go out into the mountains all day long, chasing massive spider webs and splashing through the creeks barefoot. When I moved to England the intense heat and tropical rainstorms were replaced with snowy winters and drizzle, but still, I could not keep my shoes on. I remember our neighbours going and telling my mother that I was running around outside with bare feet. It might have been a strange sight in the UK, but that is how I had explored. To this day, I still run barefoot, heading to the park and letting my skin connect with the ground. It is a good way to keep your feet strong and an opportunity to feel like a kid again, for a little while.”

My nan was a huge sports fan and when I was a boy, we would watch the Olympics together, particularly fixated on the track and field running stars. Viewing athletes who had dedicated their lives to performance, I was inspired with the realisation of what was possible for the human body. Watching Linford Christie, in awe, as I started to understand how the body could be shaped by dedication.