Ultrarunner Scott Jurek celebrates atop Katahdin after completing the Appalachian Trail in record time. (Scott Jurek Facebook Photo)
Ultrarunner and newly-crowned Appalachian Trail thru-hike speed record holder Scott Jurek recently responded to criticism from Baxter State Park officials, saying park officials have inaccurately portrayed what happened when he celebrated his accomplishment at the summit of Katahdin.
On July 16, Baxter State Park officials released a scathing statement criticizing Jurek for the media and corporate sponsors that followed him into the park. They reportedly issued three summons to Jurek for alcohol, for littering, and for hiking with an oversized group.
The crowd atop Katahdin as Scott Jurek celebrates his record-setting Appalachian Trail thru-hike. (Baxter State Park Authority Facebook Photo)
But in a post on his blog Friday, Jurek responded to what he said were a number of inaccuracies made in the statement by Baxter officials. He said the size of his group of 12 people was approved by park officials, and that it never went above that. He also said park rangers told him it would be okay for him to bring a bottle of champagne to the summit, but recommended he keep it away from families and children. And, Jurek said, the littering park officials described was only the spray from the champagne falling to the ground on the summit. He said he and his crew picked up any scrap of packaging they brought into the park.
Jurek said he has not been contacted by park officials since he left the park, and he has yet to receive word of any fines.