Utah trail runner Zach Frisch has etched his name into the mountain running community by breaking the Fastest Known Time on the Timpanokee Trail to the summit of Mount Timpanogos. He reached the peak in 2 hours, 14 minutes, 38 seconds, lowering the previous best of 2:16:13 set by Jason Dorais in 2016 and setting a new standard on one of the most popular routes in the Wasatch Range.
Mount Timpanogos towers at 11,752 feet, making it the second highest peak in the Wasatch after Mt. Nebo (11,933 feet). Most hikers need an entire day to make the 14-mile round trip. Frisch covered the climb in less time than many people spend watching a movie.
Growing up with a passion for the outdoors, he blended trail running, hiking and backcountry exploration into a lifestyle that has carried him across some of Utah’s toughest terrain. Earlier this year he climbed Kings Peak, the state’s highest point, in under six hours. In 2024 he logged 2,500 miles on foot and climbed one million vertical feet, a training base that put him in rarefied company. He estimates that he has spent 750 hours in the mountains during the past two seasons alone.
Frisch brings a playful mindset that separates him from others chasing records. After finishing the Timpanogos run he reflected that what once seemed impossible became possible through persistence. For him, it is not about being the best but about proving what belief and consistency can do. His attitude resonates with thousands of followers on Instagram, where he has built a reputation as a record-setter and as a storyteller who shares the highs and lows of mountain life.
His feed blends sweeping alpine photos, detailed accounts of training and candid reflections about challenges on and off the trail. Posts about heavy climbs, long days in the Wasatch and lighthearted moments give his audience more than statistics. They provide a glimpse into the community and joy behind the grind. By showing both the serious pursuit of goals and the humor that comes with the journey, he has turned his page into a hub for aspiring trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
Frisch also channels that influence into giving back. He leads a local run club every Wednesday, opening the door for new runners to explore trails in a supportive setting.
With Timpanogos now checked off, Frisch is looking toward the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Linkup, a daunting traverse that links 17 peaks. The effort demands strength, skill and patience. Qualities he has shown again and again. Whether in front of his followers or alone on a ridgeline, Frisch’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and a belief that the mountains reward those who keep showing up.
2 hours and change is the round-trip time, not the trailhead to summit time.
https://runuphill.wordpress.com/wasatch-fkt/ Karl Meltzer allegedly ran 1:58
Christian Allen ran a 2:00:52 on September 12th.