A 92-year-old man is making headlines and setting records after he successfully hiked nearly 24 miles across the Grand Canyon in Arizona.
Alfredo Aliaga Burdio, who now lives in Berlin, completed his record crossing of the Grand Canyon on Oct. 15. 2023. The journey led to Burdio holding the title of oldest person to cross the Grand Canyon on foot. (male), according to an announcement on New Year’s Day by Guinness World Records.
Burdio’s trip, which took 34 hours and 2 minutes, included 21 hours and 15 minutes of actual climbing time.
It took Burdio 11 hours and 15 minutes to hike from the North Rim Trailhead down to Phantom Ranch and another 10 hours the next day to hike from Phantom Ranch to the South Rim Trailhead, according to the global authority on all things record-breaking.
However, the record-setting feat did not mark Burdio’s first time climbing across the Grand Canyon. The idea to attempt the record came to Burdio when he had previously climbed the Grand Canyon with his son.
Alfredo Aliaga Burdio, who now lives in Berlin, completed his record-breaking trek across the Grand Canyon on Oct. 15. 2023. Guinness World Records
“I have read about the previous record holder, Mr. John Jepkema who I really admire,” Burdio told Guinness World Records. “I know that I am only a few months younger than Mr Jepkema and think I have a great chance to set a new record next year.”
Burdio began preparing for the historic climb in January 2023 — about nine months before he actually made the trip — by walking eight miles every day.
The record attempt was originally scheduled to take place in early 2022 but was postponed due to dangerous weather conditions.
He claims the title of oldest person to cross the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim on foot (male). Guinness World Records
Burdio’s ascent began on the North Rim, and he rested almost every hour.
“I was so tired after those first five hours,” Burdio said. “But what surprised me was that after about 15 minutes of rest, some food, and electrolytes, I recovered and felt strong again to tackle the next seven hours.”
Burdio insists that his mindset and ability to take it easy during tough times helped him conquer the climb.
“I think about the next step and the next, and not how far I still have to go,” Burdio said. “Then it’s not that exciting and it’s very doable.”
Burdio’s love of climbing came after his wife died of ALS in 2006. After her death, Burdio made it a priority to visit the places they had traveled together and even took his daughter and 9-year-old grandson on rim-to-rim hikes. Grand Canyon.
Burdio’s trip lasted 34 hours and 2 minutes, and included 21 hours and 15 minutes of actual climbing time. Guinness World Records Burdio took 11 hours and 15 minutes to hike from the North Rim Trailhead down to Phantom Ranch and another 10 hours the next day to hike from Phantom Ranch to the South Rim Trailhead. Guinness World Records
The most interesting part of the hike, according to Burdio, is the people he meets along the way who inspire him.
Follow today’s most important news
Stay up to date with the Evening Update.
“Actually the best thing is meeting everyone on the route, the support and kindness and happiness is wonderful,” he said.
During his hike, Burdio also met a group of firefighters who made him an honorary member of the Tucson Fire Department by giving him a Tucson Fire Department patch.
The 92-year-old man also expressed his appreciation to those who traveled with him to witness the journey.
“Can you believe that two people who would normally cross the Canyon in eight hours agreed to be witnesses, walking at my pace, and unwavering in their support,” he said. “Julian Coiner and Peter Todd are incredibly kind and wonderful people.”
Burdio’s takeaway from the hike is that it’s never too late to try something, even in old age.
“I started living a healthy lifestyle at the age of 76,” he said.
The record attempt was originally scheduled to take place in early 2022 but was postponed due to dangerous weather conditions. Guinness World Records
Burdio reportedly plans to hike the Grand Canyon again this year.
“My son-in-law already has a cabin for October 2024, when we want to see if we can go with my son’s family,” he said. “But I have to see how I was then. I’m getting old.”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
