One of Australia's most formidable hiking routes has been conquered in what is believed to be record time after three endurance runners shaved more than a day off the previous benchmark.
For the past 13 days, Rurik "Roo" Symon, Simon Duke and Dan Camac averaged more than 90 kilometres per day along South Australia's Heysen Trail, enduring pain, discomfort and sleep deprivation.
The trio – who were honouring a mate who was killed last year in a crash – persisted after fellow runner Marcus Staker was forced to withdraw from the 1,200-kilometre trek due to injury.
The trail, which runs from Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Ranges through the Adelaide Hills to the Fleurieu Peninsula, combines bucolic stretches with more challenging terrain and coastal clifftop paths.
It is one of Australia's longest recognised hiking thoroughfares and is a favourite of walking groups, but ramblers usually pace themselves and complete the journey in stages, often over months or years.
'Exhausted' but thrilled
The previous acknowledged record of 13 days, 16 hours and 16 minutes was set by endurance runner David Turnbull in 2017.
Symon, Camac and Duke summoned every ounce of fortitude to reach Cape Jervis in 12 days, seven hours and 21 minutes.
Duke admitted he was "exhausted", but was delighted to "be able to say we came in around 2:21pm this afternoon".
"We've been successful in setting a new record for the trail," he told ABC Radio Adelaide's Caroline Winter.
"We had 12 days over 80 kilometres or more, sometimes up to 100 kilometres.
"It's a new experience for us and we've learned a lot from it.
'Fumes and adrenaline'
Earlier in the week, support crew chief Liz Woodgate said there was plenty of encouragement along the way.
"It's definitely not all unicorns and rainbows out here on the trail," she said.
"But … the scenery and the hospitality of the people we've come across has been fabulous."
The odyssey has so far raised more than $30,000 for Autism Camp Australia.
The charity was close to the heart of endurance runner Randell Taylor, who was hit by a truck and killed while cycling in November.
Ms Woodgate said he had been with them "every step of the way".
The group at times got by on "fumes and adrenaline" after nights of only "one-and-a-half hours sleep".
Duke said the group would now treat themselves to a lie-in on Saturday morning and were "craving a good home-cooked meal".
