Christian Thomas, 5, set to become youngest ever to hike Appalachian Trail Christian is less than 1000kms away from setting a new record. Picture: BuddyBackpacker.com ON HIS website he lists his favourite things as Superman and pancakes. So if Christian Thomas completes the heroic feat of becoming the youngest-ever hiker to complete the Appalachian Trail you can be sure of what he'll be eating to celebrate. The five-year-old has been on the road since April and has walked nearly 2600kms on the trail that runs from Maine to Georgia down the eastern seaboard of the United States. His parents Dion Pagonis and Andrea Rego gave up their desk jobs to take their son on the adventure of a lifetime. So that he wouldn't miss out on his school work the couple, who describe themselves on their website as "a couple in our late twenties trying to figure out how it is you raise another human being," brought along educational CDs for him to listen to. His mum said he is also learning French. The family camp along the route or stay in hostels, driving to the trailhead each day in a Jeep. With less than 1000kms to go Christian's dad said his son's youth meant he was weathering the arduous hike way better than most thru-hikers - the name given for Appalachian Trail walkers. Christian with his parents Dion Pagonis and Andrea Rego. Picture: BuddyBackpackers.com He's had it easier than most hikers," Mr Pagonis, a graphic designer, told local Virginia TV network WCYB. The couple, who come from Long Island, New York, have been inspired by their experience with their son to create a fundraising page, to provide equipment and funding for other families wanting to follow in their footsteps. A bit of mist is no sweat for little Christian.