Guinne
ss World Records is the world’s recognised authority on record-breaking achievements. This year they have partnered with Virgin London Marathon to provide everyone with on site record verification on the day of the race.
Last year, on one of the hottest London Marathons on record, over 60 heroic runners took part in 29 official record attempts .. resulting in 10 new Guinness World Records being set and entered into the famous book, Guinness World Records 2010
Here are just some of the records:
- Most money raised for charity by a marathon runner £1,841,138 !!!
- Tallest costume worn while running a marathon 4.27 m
- The fastest marathon dressed as a vegetable 3 hr 34 min 55 sec – Robert Prothero dressed as a carrot
- Fastest marathon carrying 40 lb pack 4 hr 42 min 44 sec – Gordon Chaplin currently serving with the Royal Engineers
- Fastest marathon in a fireman’s uniform 5 hr 33 min 10 sec
- Fastest marathon run be a married couple – aggregated time 5 hr 59 min and 20 sec
But a special mention goes to these three London Marathon heroes. These amazing men were last but certainly not least. These record breakers finished at the back of the pack but for a very good reason.
Major Phil Packer – 2009 – Time 13 days
An Iraq rocket attack left Major Packer, 36, a paraplegic with heart and spinal injuries. Despite this he took on the London Marathon just one month after he had started using crutches and, to date, has raised £1.3 million for Help for Heroes. He continues to raise funds for a variety of charities and will be in this year’s Virgin London Marathon. Please click here to learn more about his 26 miles for 26 charities in 26 hours!!
Michael Watson – 2003 – Six days, two hours, 26 minutes and 18 seconds
After a bout with Chris Eubank in 1991, boxer Michael Watson was left brain damaged and in a coma for 40 days. He endured 6 operations on his brain but was left unable to walk and in a wheelchair for many years. Chris Eubank joined Watson for the final mile and welcomed him across the finish line. Asked what had carried him through the journey, he said ‘My faith in Jesus Christ.’
Lloyd Scott – 2002 – Time: Five days, eight hours, 29 minutes and 46 seconds
Having suffered from leukemia, Lloyd decided to take part in the London Marathon wearing a 120lb deep-sea diving suit, which is now at the National Maritime Museum complete with his race number! Scott has become well known for his spectacular fundraising having raised an astonishing £4 million for cancer charities.
