Man Breaks Record For Pushing a Peanut 11-Miles Up 14,115-Foot Pikes Peak, CO, With His Nose

Bob Salem has made history by being the first person in the 21st Century to push a peanut eleven miles up Pikes Peak with a contraption taped to his nose. This ambitious goal was reached after just under seven days of determination.

Bob started his journey at 9 am on July 9th on Barr Trail and officially finished the push around sunrise on July 15th. The previous record was around eight days. A ceremonial finish took place at 10 am, where Bob was greeted by cheers, a letter from the City of Manitou Springs, and a letter from Mayor John Suthers with the City of Colorado Springs.

• Related: Double Amputees Known as ‘Legless Legends’ Summit 14,115-Foot Pikes Peak, CO

As part of Manitou Springs’ 150-Year Celebration of city life, Salem became the first person in the 21st Century to push a peanut up 14,115-foot Pikes Peak with a contraption taped to his nose. This is no easy feat, but with support from the community and region, this peanut pusher has cemented his place in history.

Oddly, three individuals have already managed the nutty task of pushing a peanut up the steep slopes of Pikes Peak to its omnipresent summit.

Bill Williams was the first in 1929, and he did it on a bet, which he won. The Texan accomplished his peanut push in 11 days. In 1963, Ulysses Baxter, the most notable person to perform the Peanut Push, completed the push in a record-breaking eight days.

Salem spoke on this history-making feat and stated, “There is no city like Manitou Springs.” He continued, “I am excited to be the one to bring around this bit of history to celebrate Manitou Springs’ 150th Celebration. I hope everyone takes the time to visit and indulge in the rich history the Pikes Peak area represents. You won’t want to leave.”

According to Wikipedia, Pikes Peak is the highest summit of the southern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in North America. The ultra-prominent 14,115-foot (4,302.31 m) fourteener is located in Pike National Forest, 12 miles (19 km) west of downtown Colorado Springs, Colorado. The town of Manitou Springs lies at its base.