Kilian Jornet Announces "States of Elevation", a Journey Connecting America's 14ers
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States of Elevation is Kilian Jornet’s latest personal project: a human-powered journey to link 14,000-foot peaks across the United States by foot and bike. A uniquely demanding challenge, Kilian will average the equivalent of a Tour de France stage and a marathon each day—at high altitude and over technical terrain. Beyond the physical effort, the project reflects Kilian’s deep connection to wild places and his ongoing pursuit of meaning through endurance, nature, and exploration.
In early September 2025, mountain athlete Kilian Jornet will launch his latest project, "States of Elevation,". Setting out from Longs Peak in Colorado, the project will see Jornet creatively try to connect fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet) across the lower 48 states through human-powered travel—running and cycling.
Known for pushing the limits of human potential and athletic endurance, Kilian Jornet’s "States of Elevation" is not merely an athletic feat but also a powerful statement on discovery of the American wilderness, commitment and community connection. Jornet's approach aligns closely with his longstanding philosophy: minimalism, respect for nature, and responsible exploration. The project builds on Kilian’s previous endurance challenges, including Alpine Connections and Pyrenees 3000, where he linked high-altitude summits in the Alps and the Pyrenees, respectively.
What I experienced in the Pyrenees and the Alps motivated me to keep exploring this dimension of long traverses with a strong physical, cognitive, and creative component. It’s definitely a continuation in that sense. With the excuse of linking the 14ers, it’s also about exploring the American West — the vastness of the terrain and the cultures that have lived and continue to live there, as well as a nature that is often wild and incredibly diverse, ranging from alpine areas to dense forests and deserts.
Ultimately, "States of Elevation" embodies Kilian Jornet’s commitment to leveraging his athletic endeavors as platforms for meaningful change. By inspiring people to embrace values of adventure, responsibility, and environmental respect, Jornet hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the wild spaces that sustain and inspire us all, leaving behind a legacy of action and awareness for generations to come.
How to follow the project
Real-time updates, captivating storytelling, and vibrant visual content will be shared across social media and digital platforms throughout the expedition. Below are all the official sources of information:
- NNormal's official blog: featuring stories, stage recaps and content from the project.
- WhatsApp broadcast channel: where we’ll be sharing updates, exclusive content and important alerts.
For any questions, media requests or inquiries related to the project, please contact us at: premsa@lymbus.com
About Kilian
KILIAN JORNET is widely regarded as one of the greatest mountain athletes of all time. With his vision, he has redefined what’s possible in trail running, ski mountaineering, and mountain projects, always guided by a consistent set of values. Today, his impact extends well beyond sport.
Mountains are Kilian’s home and inspiration: they ground him and push him forward. Through more than two decades in mountain sports, he’s made a career by pushing limits—physically, as well as in how we design gear and care for things that matter.
As the co-founder of NNORMAL, Kilian brings his personal experience into product development—striving to create gear that reflects how he moves and what he believes in: durability, function, and responsibility. Through the KILIAN JORNET FOUNDATION, he advocates for the preservation of mountain environments and works to raise awareness of the climate challenges facing our planet. Whether through competition, entrepreneurship, or activism, Kilian uses his voice to inspire a more conscious way of moving through the world.