A trail runner who cut a detour and ran afoul with the National Park Service while setting a record time for fastest ascent and descent of the tallest peak in the Teton Range got a reprieve from the highest possible office in the United States, the White House.
The Associated Press reports President Donald Trump pardoned Michelino Sunseri on Monday for federal charges connected to his September 2nd, 2024 record setting run up and down Grand Teton (13,775 feet). To maintain his record breaking pace, Sunseri left a designated switch back to avoid a group of slower hikers on his way down and cut his own path for brief section of the trail (about 2 minutes off trail).
A month after the record setting run, National Park Service rangers cited Sunseri with violating federal regulations designed to protect national resources and began a legal battle that drew the attention of outdoor lovers and politicians from across the country.
Prior to the presidential pardon, prosecutors in the case agreed to seek dismissal if Sunseri completed 60 hours of community service and a course on wilderness stewardship. Now that deal is rendered moot as Sunseri has been cleared of all charges. The White House has declined to comment about the pardon.
Sunseri’s run was documented by a film crew from Fior Productions and a feature-length documentary is in the works for a 2026 release. Aside from covering a peak performance by a world class athlete, the film will also cover the ensuing legal battles that went all the way up to the White House. Here is a quick preview of Racing Grand Teton:
About Racing Grand Teton:
Racing Grand Teton is a documentary about the evolving drama of Michelino Sunseri’s controversial Grand Teton speed record. The new fastest known time, a record rejected, criminal charges filed, a first-amendment lawsuit by the filmmakers, U.S. Senate and House intervention, a trial in U.S. District Court, and then a Presidential Pardon.
It’s a story of personal resilience, redemption, man vs. nature, an impossible physical feat, breathtaking landscapes, the role of Federal agencies, risk-taking by outdoor athletes, heartbreak, land use conflicts, overcriminalization, civil litigation, a rare bipartisan success, a criminal trial, a congressional investigation and political maneuvering.
Learn more at the Change.org petition.
Related: Filmmakers Sue National Park Service Over Antiquated Filming Policy
