On July 25, 2008, Denver science teacher Mike Haugen and climbing partner Zach Price completed the Coleman 50 Days in 50 States Challenge ahead of schedule at 45 days, 19 hours and 2 minutes. This was faster than Ben Jones of Lynnwood, Washington who climbed the peaks in 2005 with a time of 50 days, 7 hours and 5 minutes.
It should be noted that the Highpointers Club does not officially recognize speed times for ascents or collections of ascents as it does not have the ability to independently verify them. But newsletter editor John Mitchler keeps a record of claimed fastest times.
Following Haugen’s climb, Coleman sponsored a school activity where students virtually climb the highpoints by recording physical activity of at least 60 minutes or by recording 10,000 steps in a day. Students completing all 50 received a commemorative souvenir and the top finishing schools which completed all 50 segments receive an award.