Yes—people have completed journeys around the world on foot. Guinness World Records credits David Kunst with the first verified walking circumnavigation, while the World Runners Association (WRA) recognizes a separate roster of completed journeys that may combine running and walking. Its reviewed register names eight athletes, not ten, so the ten people below include Kunst and the reputed earlier traveler George Matthew Schilling as well as the eight WRA-listed finishers. These are not ten equivalent walking-only records.
What counts as walking around the world?
There is no single universal list that settles every claim. The WRA says it adjudicates official attempts to run or walk around the world and maintains a register of successful circumnavigations completed on foot according to its rules. Its scope includes running as well as walking, so a place on the WRA roster does not mean the person walked every step.
Guinness World Records separately identifies a first verified walking achievement. That is a distinct record context; its distance and timing should not be treated as directly interchangeable with WRA athlete-register figures. The list below distinguishes verified, WRA-recognized, and reputed journeys rather than suggesting one common ranking.
Who was the first person to walk around the world?
David Kunst: first verified walking circumnavigation
Guinness World Records credits American David Kunst with the first verified achievement. Guinness dates his journey from 20 June 1970 to 5 October 1974 and gives the distance as 23,250 km (14,450 miles) across four continents. Guinness World Records: First circumnavigation by walking.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Kunst’s own account says he set out with his brother John and returned to Waseca, Minnesota, in 1974. John was killed by bandits in Afghanistan in October 1972; David later completed the journey with help from brothers John and Pete and Jenni Samuel. These details come from Kunst’s account of the expedition. His site also identifies his 1979 book, The Man Who Walked Around the World: A True Story, as a record of the journey, and says he wore out 21 pairs of shoes. David Kunst’s journey site.
George Matthew Schilling: an earlier reputed claim
Guinness says Schilling is reputed to have walked around the world from 1897 to 1904. “Reputed” matters: Guinness does not describe this as a verified achievement, and it should not be presented as one. Guinness World Records: First circumnavigation by walking.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Eight people on the WRA completed-athlete register
The WRA athlete page reviewed in 2026 lists the following eight completed athletes and journey distances. These are WRA register figures; the page’s “on foot” category includes running and walking, not walking-only travel. World Runners Association athlete register.
| Person | WRA-listed journey distance |
|---|---|
| Jesper Kenn Olsen | 26,232 km and 36,917 km (two journeys) |
| Rosie Swale-Pope | 32,187 km |
| Tom Denniss | 26,232 km |
| Tony Mangan | 50,000 km |
| Kevin Carr | 26,232 km |
| Serge Girard | 26,232 km |
| Marie Leautey | 28,249 km |
| Andrea Prais | 26,670 km |
What the WRA records say about speed and distance
The WRA’s records page lists category-specific achievements, not an overall ranking of all circumnavigations. The durations below are the record values shown by the WRA, with the record dates it provides. World Runners Association records.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Category | WRA-listed record holder and value | Record date |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest circumnavigation, men | Serge Girard — 434 days | 8 April 2017 |
| Fastest circumnavigation, women | Andrea Prais — 554 days | 27 June 2026 |
| Longest circumnavigation, men | Tony Mangan — 50,000 km | 26 October 2014 |
| Longest circumnavigation, women | Rosie Swale-Pope — 32,187 km | 25 August 2008 |
These categories answer different questions: elapsed time for the fastest records, and distance for the longest. The values are attributed to the WRA and reflect its definitions and register, not an independent comparison with Guinness’s Kunst entry.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.An expedition still in progress is not a completed circumnavigation
Karl Bushby
Bushby is an example of an ambitious ongoing expedition, not a completed member of this list. His official expedition page’s 30 August 2026 update reported 900 km remaining and the English Channel still to cross. The Goliath Expedition official site.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
How to read claims about walking around the world
- Check completion: a planned or unfinished route is not a completed circumnavigation.
- Check the authority: Guinness’s first verified walking achievement and the WRA’s rule-based roster are different records.
- Check the movement category: “on foot” may include running, walking, or both.
- Check what the number measures: distance, duration, route, and continents crossed are not interchangeable measures.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
