Windows Frotz, a Z-Machine emulator, was used for this run.

This run can certainly be improved as I was trailing the old WR by 9.9 seconds as late as 2:27 into the run. But then I got great RNG on the thief fight and a post-fight segment that improved over the old record by around a second.

I disagree with Zork speedruns as being just a "typing contest," and to say so is in my mind the equivalent of saying other speedruns are just "button tapping contests." I did not read any instructions during my run and committed all steps to memory. Learning the routes with a map open (https://eblong.com/infocom/maps/zork-1-map-Infocom-1983.pdf) helped me visualize where I am at. Despite having played Zork many times over the past 30 years, I am now more fully and intimately acquainted with the game than ever before!

I hope somebody takes up the challenge to push the limit further so I have an excuse to keep trying!