Last September, professional trail runner and North Face athlete Michelino Sunseri stirred up quite a bit of controversy after reportedly cutting a switchback opposed to staying on the established trail during his pursuit of setting a ‘fastest-known time’ record on Wyoming’s Grand Teton. While he finished the route in a blistering two hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds – a new record about two minutes faster than anyone had recorded before – that record was pulled days later. In addition to that record being pulled, he has now been convicted of a criminal charge related to the act.

When news broke that Sunseri’s record had been pulled in fall of 2024, it was accompanied by news that Sunseri could face potential legal issues related to his actions due a violation of 36 CFR 21 (b), which states: “Leaving a trail or walkway to shortcut between portions of the same trail or walkway, or to shortcut to an adjacent trail or walkway in violation of designated restrictions is prohibited.” The charge related to breaking this law is a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties of six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. A park ban could be possible, too.

A year after the initial incident, a verdict in the case has been reached, with Sunseri found guilty of leaving a designated trail in Grand Teton National Park. According to a report from Teton Gravity, it’s expected that Sunseri’s legal team will appeal the verdict. It’s also worth noting that sentencing has not been decided and that the judge involved in the case noted that jail time “wouldn’t be seriously considered,” per the Teton Gravity report.

A key concern previously expressed by the National Park Service in allowing Sunseri’s violation to slide was that his alleged actions could encourage others to follow suit, with cutting switchbacks and off-trail travel known to damage fragile natural areas and to cause erosion that can impact the integrity of a trail. Additionally, safety concerns stem from off-trail travel as well, as switchbacks are generally placed in areas where steep or loose terrain prevent a higher grade of trail.

Remember, ‘staying the trail’ is a key principle of Leave No Trace, as terrain can often be damaged by only a few footsteps. Read more about how to travel and camp in a way that protects the land here.

What are your thoughts on this case? Let us know in the comments.