Billy “Wahoo” Meredith sets new self-supported Te Araroa Fastest Known Time

March 31, 2025

Astral Archetype sets the new FKT in 52 days

SEATTLE (March 31, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Astral Archetype and thru-hiker, Billy “Wahoo” Meredith, has set a new fastest known time to complete New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail self-supported. Meredith completed the feat in 52 days, 11 hours, and 58 minutes starting in Te Rerenga Wairua and finishing the journey on the southern bluff of Motupōhue.

Over the 3,012 km trail, Meredith faced incredibly challenging conditions. He endured over 273,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking through deep mud, 48-hour sleepless stints, and traveling as far as 54 miles in a day to reach the finish line. Adverse weather and a severe case of trench feet nearly called off the attempt with only a few days of hiking remaining. However, he persevered with a strong final effort, knocking out over 95 miles of swamp, forest, sand, and road in one long final push to the finish, shaving over two days off the previously held self-supported record.

“Over the course of the last 52 days 11 hours & 58 min, I traversed the entire length of Aotearoa, New Zealand entirely self-supported and in record time. And through it all, I carried my camera and captured the moments that meant the most to me,” said Billy. “Oftentimes those moments were the ones which involved the people I met along the way. Those strangers who helped me or gave me words of encouragement when I needed it the most. Even on these journeys of solitude and deep immersion in nature, I still find it’s the community of people and chance encounters with fellow humans who have the longest-lasting impact on my life.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the effort Wahoo has put forth on the Te Araroa,” said Cooper Lambla, Head of Brand + Marketing of Astral. “Running an ultra for 50+ days in a row across some of the most demanding terrain on earth is superhuman. Doing it unsupported is legendary. It’s the definition of wilderness athletics.”

Meredith has also used this opportunity to raise funds for Forest & Bird, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading conservation nonprofit, to help protect the country’s wildlife and wild places for future generations. As a thru-hiker, trail runner, and landscape photographer, Nature has always been his refuge, yet it faces an urgent crisis—Aotearoa New Zealand has the world’s highest proportion of threatened species, with over 75% at risk. This effort is about more than setting a record—it’s a call to protect the landscapes that inspire and sustain us all.

In 2023, Billy Meredith achieved a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Calendar Year Triple Crown (CYTC), completing the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail in an astounding 234 days. Averaging 32 miles and 5,556 feet of elevation gain per day, Meredith’s record-breaking feat pushed the limits of endurance and resilience.

Meredith joined the Astral team in 2024 as an Archetype, advisor, and ambassador, playing a key role in refining the brand’s next generation of long-distance hiking footwear. His experience setting FKTs has given him deep insight into gear performance and durability, which he brings to his partnership with Astral. His collaboration reflects his confidence in the brand’s vision and commitment to high-performance, durable, and sustainable footwear. He accomplished this feat wearing the new Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0. The shoe is exceptionally breathable, ultra-lightweight, and naturally shaped, making it the perfect choice for this challenge.

To learn more about Billy, what got him into backpacking, his recent hikes, and his passions outside of hiking, check out Astral’s recent interview with him.

View all of Astral’s Archetypes, including fellow thru hiking legend, Jennifer Pharr Davis here explore.astraldesigns.com/ambassadors. For more information about Astral, its products, and initiatives, please visit Astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

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Media Contact:
Max Akselrad | Verde Brand Communications | (917) 699-8491 | max@verdepr.com