August 29, 2013
World hiking endurance record-holder to visit SIU
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Jennifer Pharr Davis, a world hiking endurance record holder and a 2012 National Geographic “Adventurer of the Year” is coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Davis, who holds the record for the fastest recorded hike, will speak at 7 p.m., Sept. 10, in the Alumni Lounge in the Student Recreation Center. Recreational Sports and Services is sponsoring “An Evening with Jennifer Pharr Davis.” The event is free and open to the public.
In 2011, with an average pace of about 47 miles per day, Davis covered the entire 2,181 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Maine to Georgia, in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes. Historically, only men held the trail record; Davis broke a record set in 2005.
Davis’ presentation will be not only about her record performance, but also on her adventures, commitment and belief that the trail is a metaphor for life and that there are trails for everyone at every time in life.
Davis, who is from Asheville, N.C., is the author of five books, including “Called Again: A Story of Love and Triumph,” which highlights her record-breaking hike.
For more information, contact Jason Davis, assistant director, fitness and wellness for Recreational Sports and Services, at 618/453-1275, or by email at jasondavis@siu.edu.