They may not usually be known for being fast movers, but Bertie is the tortoise equivalent to Usain Bolt.
 
At his home in Adventure Valley, a family adventure park in Brasside, Durham, UK, Bertie sprinted over a 5.48 m course set at a gradient of 1:12 in a speedy 19.59 seconds, consequently winning his title as the Fastest tortoise in the world.
 
During his record-breaking run, Bertie reached an incredible speed of 0.28 m/s (0.92 ft/sec), absolutely smashing Charlie’s (UK) previous record of 0.125 m/s which had been unchallenged since 1977.
 
fastest-tortoise-facing-front
 
Bertie’s proud owners Marco Calzini and his wife Janine explain that when they discovered Charlie’s record, they tested Bertie against it and he beat it every time.
 
They made an application for the record, and although slightly worried that Bertie might not feel like performing on the day, his skill was not to be undermined.
 
fastest-tortoise-with-owners
 
Since achieving his Guinness World Records title, Bertie has become a local celebrity at Adventure Valley.
 
He now lives in a luxury enclosure with his girlfriend Shelly and his Guinness World Records certificate is proudly displayed on the wall.
 
Speaking of Bertie’s inclusion in 2016 book, owner Marco said, “I used to collect the Guinness World Records books – my first was the 1980 edition – and I fondly remember seeing them all in the shops. To be in the book is a dream come true, a massive achievement!”
 
 
 
Bertie’s accomplishment and many other exciting new records appear in Guinness World Records 2016, which is out now: Order a copy here.
 
2016 Guinness World Records Books