[pct-l] JMT Unsupported Speed Record?

[Deems]

Reinhold holds the current unsupported JMT Backpacker record. The definition 
of "unsupported" means carrying all your gear and food from the beginning to 
the end, accepting nothing, no reloads, no caches, and not even a token 
offer of a handful of gorp or berry picking along the way. Of course this 
requires a certain level of honor, to hold the record, and to abide by the 
rules. Not only has Reinhold set the record,  by doing it his way, he has 
set the rules for which this unsupported record is decided. You can carry 
50lbs or no pounds, just accept no help or food from anyone, except a cheer, 
a greeting, and a salute along the way. The JMT is defined as Happy Isle to 
the Summit of Mt Whitney. Reinhold has chosen as his starting point as Mt 
Whitney, but starting at Yosemite is ok, but I don't know where the official 
end of the JMT is in Yosemite. Reinhold starts at the click of midnight each 
time. His current record set in 2004 (at the age of 62) stands at 5days, 
7hours, 15minutes and he welcomes anyone to enjoy the John Muir Trail at any 
pace they choose.  He knows that another hiker will carry the record soon; 
but if someone wants the record, he is both the judge, and their greatest 
supporter.

This is  when I first met him near Lake Wanda in 2005, during one of his 
record improvement attempts. I was hiking the JMT, and it took me 
17days..which is my personal record.
 http://www.pbase.com/losthiker/image/55594214
http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/outdoors/20030929-9999_mz1s29outdor.html

~~~~~~~~~
I have seen a number of posts periodically that have discussed the 
unsupported speed records for a JMT thru-hike on this list.  I have been 
considering this recently and would like to do some preliminary 
investigation and planning.  Can anyone provide some information on the 
following:

What is the official record?

What does unsupported mean?  Can I use a food drop or re-supply (either at 
Muir TR or Reds Meadow)  or do I need to pack all food from start to finish?

If I start from the south, do I start at the summit of Mt. Whitney or 
Whitney Portal?  I presume this would be the summit but I wanted to check to 
be certain.

How does one certify the start and end time?

Are there any official "rules" for such a stunt?  I know Reinhold has held 
the record several times, but I have never seen any official rules of any 
sort.

Really just exploring this at this point so any info the trail community 
would be willing to share would be appreciated.

Elevator