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Alfredo Aliaga becomes the oldest person to complete the Rim-to-Rim hike in Grand Canyon National Park.
At the ripe age of 92, Alfredo Aliaga, a Spanish-born hiker, recently set a notable milestone by becoming the oldest person to complete the challenging Rim-to-Rim hike, a 24-mile trek with over 10,000 feet of climbing. This remarkable achievement is currently awaiting verification as a Guinness world record. Aliaga completed this rigorous hike in 21 hours, spread over two days, surpassing the previous record held by John Jempka, who accomplished the feat at 91 years and 152 days old.
This wasn't Aliaga's first encounter with the Rim-to-Rim trail. He had previously hiked it twice with his daughter, Anabel Aliaga-Buchenau, and son-in-law, Jurgen Buchenau, first in 2019. During the pandemic, Buchenau discovered that Aliaga had narrowly missed the age record on their previous hike. Intrigued by the possibility of setting a record, Aliaga began intensifying his training, walking three hours daily in Berlin.
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The trio's initial plan was to attempt the record in Spring 2023, but unexpected snow and a closure of the North Rim led to an earlier endeavor. Despite concerns about the risks associated with the hike, especially considering Aliaga's age, the journey went smoothly. Aliaga maintained a steady pace throughout the hike and even paused to take selfies with admirers along the way.
Aliaga's fascination with the Grand Canyon isn't surprising to those who know him. Following his wife's death in 2006, he found solace in revisiting places they had explored together, including the canyon. A geologist by training, Aliaga has a deep connection to natural landscapes, having visited numerous national parks in the United States with his wife.
The community's response to Aliaga's hike was overwhelmingly positive. A Facebook post by Buchenau announcing the record attempt garnered thousands of likes and shares. When Aliaga reached the North Rim, nearly 100 supporters were there to cheer him on, inspired by his determination and spirit.
Buchenau reflected on his father-in-law's accomplishment, seeing it as a testament to the notion that age is, to some extent, a state of mind. He hinted at future adventures, mentioning that Aliaga is already eager to return next year for another hike, demonstrating his unwavering enthusiasm and zest for life.
Would you hike the Rim-to-Rim trail? Let me know in the comments!
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