"Michelino Sunseri climbed past boulders on his way to a record-breaking feat: The extreme runner reached the summit of Grand Teton, one of the highest mountains in the American West, and then rushed back down, all in less than three hours. The National Park Service, however, didn't celebrate. Instead, it charged him with a crime. In September, Sunseri, 33, was found guilty of a misdemeanor for spending just two minutes during the run on a prohibited trail in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming."
"The remarkable solo triumph in 2024 has been overshadowed by his legal saga. Free Michelino stickers are on posts and benches in Jackson, Wyoming. Sunseri's supporters, including members of Congress, are appalled by what they consider to be a glaring example of excessive enforcement by the government. Sunseri hasn't been sentenced yet, and now he could be getting a break."
"Prosecutors have repeatedly said the ban on shortcutting designated trails is on the park's website, the park map, in the park newspaper and also posted at trailheads. They pressed ahead with a two-day trial last May, despite a lack of support from officials in the new Trump administration. Joey Wilson of Salt Lake City, an ultramarathoner who designs training programs for athletes, said the significance of Sunseri's achievement sometimes gets lost. 'It's an unbelievable thing that he accomplished world class,' Wilson said."
Michelino Sunseri, 33, ran to the summit of Grand Teton and descended in under three hours while traversing bouldery terrain. He was found guilty of a misdemeanor for spending roughly two minutes on a prohibited trail inside Grand Teton National Park. Prosecutors say the shortcut ban is posted on the park website, map, newspaper and at trailheads. Supporters, including members of Congress, contend the enforcement is excessive and have shown public support in Jackson, Wyoming. Federal prosecutors now say the charge could be dismissed if Sunseri meets conditions over 12 months and the judge agrees.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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