Liz Derstine is a pianist and composer whose musical bona fides are as impressive as her accomplishments as a runner. She has two master’s degrees from the Longy School of Music. In 2020, she set the fastest known time (FKT) for the Appalachian Trail. She plays in concerts all over Massachusetts and New Hampshire. In 2024, she set an FKT on her thru-hike of the Kungsleden in Sweden.
The list goes on.
Last year, Derstine set out on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), eyeing another FKT. The Mountain Hardwear athlete had wanted to do the PCT self-supported, faster than anyone else had before her. Her attempt pushed her to her limits and forced her to push past them. Her FKT attempt is documented in Mountain Hardwear’s film Ridgeline.
You can follow Derstine (@pinkfeathers) on Instagram.
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