Michelino Sunseri, a 33-year-old extreme mountain runner, achieved a remarkable and record-setting feat in 2024 by ascending and descending Grand Teton, one of the highest peaks in the American West, in under three hours. His run was a testament to extraordinary endurance and skill, as he navigated treacherous terrain and significant elevation gains to set the fastest-known time (FKT) on this iconic mountain. However, rather than being celebrated for this achievement, Sunseri found himself at the center of a legal controversy that has overshadowed his athletic accomplishment and sparked a wider debate about federal enforcement policies in national parks.
On September 2, 2024, Sunseri embarked on his solo challenge amid the bustling crowds of Labor Day hikers. The route began with a relatively flat and wide trail but quickly transitioned into a rugged climb littered with massive boulders—some as large as small houses—and steep switchbacks that required careful navigation and use of hands to avoid dangerous falls. Sunseri had trained extensively, running the mountain over 40 times to prepare for his attempt.
During his descent, Sunseri made a split-second decision that would later lead to legal trouble. To avoid congested sections of the Garnet Canyon Trail filled with casual hikers, he briefly left the designated route and took a short detour along the Old Climber’s Trail for about two minutes. This trail is marked by signs warning, “Short Cutting Causes Erosion” and “Closed For Regrowth.” Sunseri contended that the ground was steep, narrow, and hard-packed with no visible vegetation that could be harmed. His choice was motivated by safety concerns and the desire to maintain his pace without disturbing other visitors.
After completing the run in an astonishing 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds, Sunseri collapsed at the mountain’s base, exhausted but exhilarated. He had covered 13.3 miles (21.4 kilometers) and climbed 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) to reach the summit at 13,775 feet (4,198 meters). For the mountain running community, this was a world-class achievement, one that garnered respect and admiration from fellow athletes, including Andy Anderson, a previous record holder who congratulated Sunseri and passed on a commemorative belt buckle honoring Grand Teton record holders.
Despite the admiration from many in the athletic community, Sunseri’s brief detour did not go unnoticed by the National Park Service. His subsequent social media posts, which celebrated the run and detailed his route, drew the attention of federal investigators. Using search warrants, authorities scrutinized his online activity and ultimately charged him with misdemeanor shortcutting on a designated trail in Grand Teton National Park—an offense that carries legal consequences.
In May 2024, Sunseri faced a two-day federal trial, despite an internal withdrawal of support from Park Service officials in Washington, who had signaled reluctance to pursue the case. Emails obtained by Sunseri’s defense revealed that a U.S. Interior Department lawyer had cited President Donald Trump’s directive against “overcriminalization” of federal regulations, suggesting the case might not be worth prosecuting. Nevertheless, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Romine in Wyoming insisted on continuing with the prosecution.
In September, U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Hambrick found Sunseri guilty in a detailed 51-page opinion. The ruling highlighted testimony from Park Service Ranger Michelle Altizer, who emphasized that Sunseri’s high-profile actions had a significant potential to deter others from violating trail rules, making enforcement important. Sunseri’s legal team argued that the signs on the Old Climber’s Trail were insufficiently clear to constitute an explicit prohibition and noted that the trail had been in a similar state for decades without formal closures marked by physical barriers.
The case has ignited a firestorm of public support for Sunseri. Locals in Jackson, Wyoming, have plastered “Free Michelino” stickers on posts and benches, while members of Congress have expressed outrage, viewing the prosecution as an example of excessive government enforcement. U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, a Republican from Arizona, has introduced legislation aimed at requiring willful intent for prosecuting certain misdemeanors like Sunseri’s. Biggs decried the case as a “prime example of the problem of overcriminalization,” reflecting a broader political concern about federal regulatory overreach.
Sunseri’s conviction has also had practical consequences for the recognition of his record.