The ATC just updated its 2006 thru hiker statistics as of September 26.
Springer Mountain 1150
Neels Gap (30 mi.) 1076 (94%)
Harpers Ferry (1000 mi.) 659 (57%)
Katahdin (2175 mi.) 119 (10%)
Last year, of the 1392 starters, 1156 (or 83%) reached Neels Gap, 682 (or 49%) reached Harpers Ferry and 352 (or 25%) reached Katahdin.
I thought the completion rate this year looked low so I checked on Trail Journals and noted that that a hiker who finished at Katahdin on September 23 said that she was the 297th person to finish out of those who started from Springer Mountain. That translates to a 25.8% completion rate. With a few more weeks of northbounders heading for Katahdin, this could be a record-breaking year for thru hiker completions. Congratulations to all those in the class of 2006 -- whether you completed 50 miles or 2175!