A California man raising money for an animal welfare group appears to be on the verge of setting a new record for walking the 2,655-mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada.

Backers say Josh Garrett, 30, a college track coach and fitness instructor, could shave several days of the current record of 64 days, 11 hours and 19 minutes for hiking the trail.

Garrett’s trek is being sponsored by Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, whom Garrett has hiked with.

Garrett, who became a vegan two years ago, has said his goal is to call attention to what he calls the cruel treatment of animals being raised for food. He is seeking donations for the organization Mercy for Animals.

He began his Pacific Crest journey at the Mexican border June 10 and on Monday was in the Cascades east of Arlington, with about 124 miles left to hike. He has been averaging more than 44 miles a day, and backers expect him to reach the Canadian border Thursday.
--Seattle Times