Records
GR20 Records
Where we took twelve days, some cross the GR20 in under thirty-one hours. The speed records (FKT, Fastest Known Time) are dizzying, and they put our own figures into perspective.
Men
The men's record
The men's record belongs to Corsican Lambert Santelli, set in 2021, ahead of names familiar to every trail-running fan.
| Year | Runner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Lambert Santelli — current record | 30 h 25 |
| 2016 | François D'Haene | 31 h 06 |
| 2014 | Guillaume Peretti | 32 h 00 |
| 2009 | Kilian Jornet | 32 h 54 |
Women
The women's record
| Year | Runner | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Anne-Lise Rousset — current record | 35 h 50 |
| 2012 | Émilie Lecomte | 41 h 22 |
Categories of their own
Reverse direction, winter and round-trip
| Category | Holder | Time | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| South → North direction | Jean-Pierre Costa | 48 h 18 | 2013 |
| Winter (snow-covered trail) | Jean-Louis Cinqui | 63 h 16 | 2013 |
| Round-trip (unratified) | Grégory Camerlo | 112 h 27 | 2025 |
One to watch: François D'Haene has announced an attempt in 2026 to take the record back from Lambert Santelli. Until anything is official, the men's record stays at 30 h 25. This page will be updated if the mark falls.
Putting it in perspective
What that actually means
The GR20 runs roughly 180 km with nearly 13,000 m of positive elevation gain. Most hikers finish it in 12 to 16 days. The record, on the other hand, is that very same route swallowed whole in under 31 hours, with almost no sleep, over technical and exposed terrain.
In other words, two pursuits that have almost nothing in common. Our twelve days tell the story of a traverse we lived, not a race — but seeing these times puts into perspective what the Corsican mountains can demand of a body. To compare with a realistic pace, take a look at our stage planner.
Sources
Where these figures come from
These times are compiled from specialist sources (Wikipedia, trail-running media and record databases). Speed records keep evolving: should a new performance be officially ratified, this page will be updated. Mon GR20 remains an independent personal site.