Doi Suthep

Morning Yoga in the park with Karen

Last Nepal Run 🏃🏼‍♂️ Ranibari Community Forest Laps

Kathmandu Monkey Temple

Namche Bazaar -> Lukla

One of the most epic, grueling, and breathtaking days I’ve ever experienced in the mountains. I’m thrilled to share that I completed the Three Passes Trek in one day, setting the clockwise FKT in 22 hours and 50 minutes.

Although it may not sound remarkable on paper at just 52 miles with 16k feet of gain, this route is an immense challenge that typically takes 16-21 days to complete. It’s one of the biggest athletic accomplishments of my life. The route is incredibly tough and technical, with two 17,000-foot passes and one at 18,000 feet. Pushing hard all day at   average altitudes above 14,000 feet took a huge toll, requiring focus and resilience to stay on course.

A massive thanks to my friends Tyler Andrews and Erin Ton, who set the counterclockwise FKTs with times that kept me motivated. Their insights on the route were invaluable, and though I didn’t reach my A-goal of breaking the overall record (19:40), I’m incredibly proud of my effort. The physical and mental strain of maintaining such a pace at these altitudes was beyond challenging, and I contemplated giving up more than once. 

Starting out in complete darkness, I faced sub-zero temperatures, lingering effects of food poisoning, and an unforgiving course that tested my limits. Climbing to the first pass with the break of dawn was exhilarating, as the sight of the lakes energized me to stay ahead. I reached the top of Renjo La after six hours, finally hitting sunshine on the other side—a major turning point of the day. I ran the descent all the way down to Gokyo, ignoring the “go slowly” advice because records don’t get broken by holding back.

From technical glacier hopping to running the flats and powering through relentless ascents, the day was a true test of grit and gratitude. By the time I reached the final pass, Kongma La, at sunset, exhaustion had set in, but I knew I couldn’t stop. Descending into complete darkness was daunting, but finishing all three passes felt like a celebration. I was utterly spent but thrilled with the journey.

Thank you, Tyler, for setting the benchmark on one of the most stunning routes out there—your achievement made pushing through the highs and lows of this day even more meaningful.

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Patrick McClellan

THREE PASSES TREK - FKT

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Doi Suthep

Morning Yoga in the park with Karen

Last Nepal Run 🏃🏼‍♂️ Ranibari Community Forest Laps

Kathmandu Monkey Temple

Namche Bazaar -> Lukla

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