Tyler Andrews is back in Base Camp. On the phone, he sounds like he just got back from a walk in the park. Andrews ran to the summit of Manaslu and back in less than 15 hours, a mind-blowing time that surprised even him.
Chatting with ExplorersWeb, Andrews confirmed the total time from Base Camp to Base Camp on his Manaslu fastest known time (FKT) was 14 hours and 55 minutes (to be verified on Strava).
“It was a wild day and definitely not planned at all. We had only been to Camp 3 (6,620m), but everything just clicked, and the weather was perfect,” Andrews said about his improvised FKT.
Andrews training on Manaslu near Camp 1. Photo: Chris Fisher
Andrews started and finished his quest from the lower part of the enormous Manaslu Base Camp, at 4,830m.
“I think that is a good starting/finishing point to take as standard [for future FKT attempts],” Andrews said.
He also confirmed that he never intended to complete a FKT for the return trip, only from Base Camp to the summit.
“I was just focused on the ascent and I took my time on the way down, stopped for a little while in Camp 3, and saw some expedition mates there,” he said. “However, I would be surprised if this weren’t the overall record for the return trip as well.”
Ultralight style
Seeing the photos of Tyler training near Camp 1 in shorts and a T-shirt, we asked about his clothing for the summit ascent.
“Non-insulated snow pants, merino wool half zip, and a windbreaker, all by La Sportiva,” Andrews explained. “I only put on the light puffy a few times.”
Summit push outfit, Tyler Andrews’ style. Photo: Tyler Andrews
“It was a big gamble [climbing in such light clothing]. But I was able to keep moving well and the weather held up,” he said.
Indeed, while clouds and rain still wrap Base Camp, conditions yesterday on the summit were great.
Ski descent next
Chris Fisher (left) and Tyler Andrews today in Manaslu Base Camp. Photo: Tyler Andrews
The American ultrarunner will remain in Base Camp to support his climbing partner Chris Fisher, who plans a ski descent from the summit. Fisher is planning his summit climb for September 23.
Fisher will try to ski from the summit to Camp 2, then carry his skis down across the serac barriers to Camp 1. There, he will strap them back on to ski to Base Camp.
Not done with FKTs
After Fisher’s climb, Andrews will surely attempt some more FKTs.
“I will probably try Larke Peak [near Manaslu] before heading back to Kathmandu and then to the Khumbu, not sure exactly what the plan is there, but I have a bunch of different ideas and objectives,” Andrews said.
One of these ideas is already taking shape, a run to Mera Peak from Lukla and back in one 80km push.
