Runners participating in the 2017 Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon have been preparing for the grand race as well as a chance to receive a Guinness World Records title!
A new opportunity for runners in 2017, Guinness World Records has partnered with the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon to give participants on-site verification for their world record attempt as they run from LA to Santa Monica.
On race day, pre-registered runners will meet with our official adjudicator for immediate verification in their attempt to walk (or run) away with a Guinness World Records title.
In preparation for the big day, here’s a sneak peek at some of the marathon runners you may want to cheer loudly for as they attempt to break a world record:
Fastest marathon dressed as fisherman- Salacnib "Sonny" Molina, 44, Woodstock, Illinois
Salacnib "Sonny" Molina is hoping to catch a Guinness World Records title as this fisherman is running to set the record for Fastest marathon dressed as a fisherman! Although it’s his first time participating in the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon, it’s not his first Guinness World Records title. In fact, he currently holds the title for Most barefoot half marathons run on consecutive days (male) with an impressive 11 half marathons and has attempted a few other titles that are currently under review. He’s also running to raise funds for two organizations- Feed My Starving Children and the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.
Time to beat: 4:45:00
Fastest marathon wearing lederhosen - Jerry Knox, 47, Chino Hills, CA
Jerry Knox is another familiar face to the Guinness World Records family. He currently holds the title for Fastest marathon dribbling two basketballs with an incredible time of 4:10:44 at the Virgin Money London Marathon in London, UK. He has also run 75 regular marathons, including the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon. This time, he thought it would be fun to dress up in a costume for his attempt for the title of Fastest marathon wearing traditional Bavarian lederhosen. The High School Geography Teacher has loved the Guinness World Records books since he was a child, and looks forward to participating more with the brand.
Current record to beat: 3:51:33
Fastest marathon dressed as a swimmer -Craig Handy, 27, Los Angeles, CA and Ben Gee-Hung Hoy, 29, Redondo Beach, CA
Craig Handy of Los Angeles is bringing his swimming equipment to the race for his first Guinness World Records attempt! Craig, an avid runner, has enjoyed seeing people in fun costumes with good attitudes during races and thought it was time to join them. He mentions: “It really does help you during the race! This year I thought I could be one of those people, and this seemed like a funny costume to run in,". Also putting his swimming gear to work is Ben Gee-Hung Hoy, 29, who recently said, “It has been a childhood dream to hold a world record!” Ben, along with many others is running the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon for the first time. It’s also his first Guinness World Records title attempt.
Time to beat: 4:00:00
Fastest marathon run by a pair of siblings (mixed pair) - Alondra Rodriguez Noriega, 21 & Rogelio Rodriguez, 24, Mission Hills, CA
It’s a family affair for Alondra Rodriguez, 21 and her brother Rogelio, 24, as they attempt to set the record for Fastest marathon run by a pair of siblings (mixed pair). After telling his sister about his experience while running a marathon abroad while serving in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan, Alondra and Rogelio made a promise to do a race together. Now that the time has come to participate in a marathon and attempt a record together. Alondra explains “Setting a world record with my brother in the city we love would make the moment even sweeter.”
Time to beat: 4:50:00
Fastest marathon dressed as a postman - Francisco Garcia, 46, La Puente, CA
Letter Carrier, Francisco Garcia, is combining his love for his job and his passion for running in his first Guinness World Records attempt for Fastest marathon dressed as a postman. He’s participated in the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon consecutively since 1997 and shared his training regimen which includes running up mountains and carrying a heavy backpack on the streets. Through his attempt, Francisco says, “I hope to inspire others and especially my daughter Rebecca (age 12) by showing them that it is possible to do anything you want to achieve with hard work & being patient.”
Current record to beat: 3:47:35
Fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader (female) - Kathee Miller, 50, Huntington Beach, CA
Give us a G! Give us a W! Give us an R! What does that spell? GWR! Kathee Miller, 50, is bringing some pep to the marathon as she attempts the Fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader (female). For her first run at the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon and record attempt, she trained by running while carrying items as she will be holding pom-poms during the race. Kathee mentioned that “It would give me the satisfaction of knowing that I wanted something, trained for it and accomplished my goal if I am able to obtain this record.”
Time to beat: 4:30:00
Fastest marathon dressed as a three dimensional-bird - Jean-Baptiste Bourdu, 40, La Cañada Flintridge, Los Angeles County, CA
Flying in from Los Angeles County is Jean-Baptiste Bourdu with his Guinness World Records title attempt for the Fastest marathon dressed as a three dimensional-bird at the Skechers Performance Los Angeles Marathon. Jean-Baptiste decided to run in his Sucre-Gorge flamingo costume (which he used to promote his wife’s children books) after receiving a dare. But, he’s enjoyed running in it ever since and is happy to have added motivation to laugh during the marathon. He is running to raise funds for the American Heart Association as its dear to his heart.
Current record to beat: 5:50:08
Other Guinness World Records attempts occurring at the marathon include:
• Fastest marathon dressed as a flag (female)
• Fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (male)
• Fastest marathon dressed as a tennis player (male)
• Fastest marathon dressed as Elvis
• Fastest marathon dressed as a boxer
Check back during the week of March 20th to find out which runners made it to the finish line and accomplished their goal of becoming a Guinness World Records title holder!
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