Ultra‑marathoner Ryan Keeping, best known for his trans‑Canada run, has now set his sights on Iceland’s iconic Ring Road, aiming to break the existing fastest known time of 16 days and 10 hours.
A New Challenge
In a recent video, Keeping described his ambitious next mission: “I will be running the entire Ring Road, a road that circles the entire island of Iceland, breaking the current record of 16 days and 10 hours.” This follows his previous accomplishments, including running across Canada and the full length of Florida.
The Ring Road
Ring Road Route 1 encircles Iceland, spanning roughly 1,322 km (820 miles). The current FKT is 16 days 10 hours, and Keeping’s challenge aims to bring this time down significantly.
Who Is Ryan Keeping?
- Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Keeping gained national attention in 2024 when he ran across Canada in just 99 days, covering over 7,386 km and raising funds for heart disease research.
- Inspired by Canadian hero Terry Fox, Keeping embarked on his run on April 1, 2024, in St. John’s, Newfoundland. He finished in Victoria, B.C. on July 7, surpassing his fundraising goal by collecting nearly CAD $250,000 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
- Keeping consistently ran roughly 75 km per day, almost two marathons every single day, and held community meet‑ups along major cities such as Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, and Vancouver.
- As of mid‑2024, he had amassed an online following of nearly 100,000 and continued to grow as his journey captured Canada’s imagination.
Building on Past Success
Keeping’s past journeys demonstrate his capacity to push physical and mental limits. His cross‑country run wasn’t just a personal feat, it was deeply personal.
With a family history of heart disease and siblings who tested positive for a heart‑related gene mutation, Keeping’s run embodied a mission of awareness and compassion for others facing similar health struggles.
His upcoming Ring Road attempt appears to be another bold extension of that mission, fortifying his athletic ambition with purpose and storytelling.
What to Expect
- Training intensively following his highlighted declaration: “Now, no excuses, because I gotta get to training.”
- Targeting completion well under the 16‑day mark
- Navigating Icelandic terrain, where the Ring Road is known for remote stretches, variable weather, and challenging elevation—particularly in spring and early summer.
Why It Matters
- If successful, Keeping will both break a world record and extend his role as an inspirational figure in the ultrarunning community.
- His previous trans‑Canada journey resonated widely due to its scale, community engagement, and authentic emotional drive. This effort appears primed to do the same.
In Summary
Ryan Keeping is not just chasing times, he’s chasing meaning. From coast to coast across Canada to now encircling an entire island, his ultra‑endurance projects merge extreme athleticism with heartfelt purpose. His Icelandic Ring Road challenge aims not only for a record but also to continue building momentum as a storyteller and fundraiser with deep personal resonance.
Nobody should be taking inspiration from a man who admittedly injures himself doing these “feats” and refuses to stop when he’s injured. He might be able to achieve extraordinary things, but at what cost? Becoming the next person who grinds himself into the ground for fleeting glory is inherently dangerous to both himself and others.