On July 15th, they have achieved a new co-ed supported fastest known time (FKT) by winning all 58 of the state’s peaks towering over 14,000 feet in just 12 days, 6 hours, and 43 minutes.
Both athletes are celebrated in Colorado’s outdoor community for their unique endurance and mountaineering prowess. Sansone had previously set the women’s supported FKT on the challenging Nolan’s 14 route, while Hamilton is renowned for his solo men’s supported FKT on the Colorado 14’ers, alongside numerous other impressive accomplishments.
This achievement stands out as the first co-ed supported effort on the Colorado 14’ers, highlighting the synergy and determination of Sansone and Hamilton. For surroundings, Hamilton’s previous solo men’s supported FKT was completed in 9 days, 21 hours, and 51 minutes while Danelle Ballengee holds the women’s supported record at 14 days, 14 hours, and 49 minutes.
Congratulations flood in for Andrea and Andrew for their extraordinary endurance, teamwork, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of mountain exploration in Colorado’s rugged landscapes.
Efficient Planning and Seamless Coordination
Successfully completing this co-ed supported FKT was not just a test of physical endurance but also a logistical triumph. The 58 peaks scattered across Colorado presented a diverse range of challenges, from straightforward ascents to technical scrambles. Each summit required climbing and descending at least 3,000 feet, underscoring the immense physical effort involved.
Adding to the complexity was the extensive driving between peaks, covering hundreds of miles across varied terrain. Routes ranged from smooth highways to rugged four-wheel-drive paths, demanding careful navigation and resilience from both athletes and their support team.
Drawing on their deep familiarity with Colorado’s landscape, Sansone and Hamilton strategically mapped out efficient routes between summits. Opting for direct paths whenever feasible not only saved valuable time but also conserved energy by minimizing unnecessary elevation gain.
Their meticulous planning and execution not only underscored their physical prowess but also highlighted their mastery of logistical challenges inherent in such ambitious mountain endeavors.
Their journey began in the early hours of July 3rd at 4 am local time, aiming to surpass Hamilton’s previous men’s supported FKT set in 2015. However, they faced challenges right from the start and quickly found themselves leisurely behind their hard-driving schedule.
The day before they launched on their adventure, their plan to use the Durango-Silverton train to shorten the
path to the four Chicago Basin 14’ers in the San Juan Mountains hit a snag when the train was ended by mudslides. Undeterred, they opted to hike the additional miles instead of postponing their start. After successfully summiting the peaks and returning they found the train back in operation, providing them with a
mock back to civilization.
Their ability to adapt and persevere in the face of tragedy highlighted their unchangeable determination to achieve their goal and despite the initial setbacks they encountered along the way.
Initial Hurdles and Setbacks
The early stages of their adventure were fraught with a series of setbacks that significantly hindered their progress. Adverse weather, knee injuries, rockfall incidents, and a range of other unexpected challenges conspired to slow their pace. By the third day, it became apparent that their original time target was slipping out of reach.
Reflecting on these hurdles, Hamilton recalled, “Our initial speed calculations unraveled by the end of Day 3. Despite starting with good weather, navigating the Gash Ridge from Blanca Peak to Mount Lindsey proved far more daunting than I had anticipated. I misjudged the difficulty, expecting a straightforward descent. It turned out to be a rigorous challenge. The following day, after enduring hours in the cold, our legs struggled to regain momentum.”
These early adversities underscored the unpredictable nature of their journey and highlighted the resilience needed to overcome unforeseen obstacles while striving to achieve their ambitious goal.
“The toll of sleep deprivation was keenly felt, especially in the first half of our journey, where we faced some of the most technically demanding peaks.”
Starting Strong with the Most Challenging Peaks
Starting with the toughest peaks made a grueling beginning,” Hamilton recounted. “By Day 4 or 5, exhaustion set in—we were sleep-deprived and mentally drained. Despite our climbing experience, fatigue challenged our confidence and comfort on the rock.”
They felt besieged by setbacks. “It seemed like we were constantly hit with new challenges,” Hamilton reflected. “It was hard to find moments of joy or satisfaction because each hurdle felt like another blow.”
They attribute their perseverance to their dedicated support team and community. They had an expert off-road driver who navigated them swiftly up daunting four-wheel-drive routes, Sansone’s sisters provided invaluable support and motivation, and a thoughtful friend managed errands, allowing the crew to stay focused on the task at hand.
Nearing the Breaking Point
Throughout their epic 12-plus days of continuous climbing, the team faced numerous moments where quitting seemed like the only option. Sansone recalled a particularly poignant moment on Mount Massive when she reached a breaking point.
“I’ll never forget the moment on Mount Massive,” Sansone recounted. Our videographer opened the van door, and I looked straight into the camera and said, ‘We’re done.
Hamilton added, “That’s when Riley handed me the video camera and said, ‘If you’re going to call it quits, record a message.’ But in that critical moment, something shifted. We dug deep and found the resilience to keep going, one step at a time.”
Despite grappling with exhaustion and doubts, their determination and support from their crew propelled them forward. Each hurdle became a testament to their unwavering commitment to achieving their monumental goal.
Just a few days after summiting Longs Peak with a supportive group of friends, the couple finds themselves still grappling with the magnitude of their accomplishment.
Sansone reflects, “The biggest takeaway for us is the power of persistence… with the immense challenges we faced, we refused to give up.”
Their journey serves as a evidence to persistence and determination, inspiring others with their unchangeable commitment to overcoming obstacles and reaching their goal.
