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During this unmissable yearly appointment, the TCS London Marathon and Guinness World Records worked side by side to celebrate all the records broken during the TCS London Marathon 2023.
After last year's marathon taking place in October 2022, the 43rd edition of the event returned to its traditional spring race on 23 April 2023.
With eager runners, their families and curious onlookers swarming the streets, the marathon once again transformed the British capital, giving space to outstanding runners and record-breakers.
Through carefully crafted (and often significantly heavy) costumes or taking on outstanding challenges, the athletes attempting records during the London Marathon gave voice to their stories, ambitions and dreams.
As always, many of the runners that attempted records today are also supporting charities close to their hearts.
From associations that raise awareness toward illnesses and conditions to the charities that focus on the environment and conservation (a topic that is also dear to the TCS London Marathon, with a sustainability plan outlined on their website), plenty of funds were raised for nonprofit organizations across the world.
Paul Evans, for example, has tackled the marathon dressed as a valiant knight to raise money for Ambitious About Autism.
His son was diagnosed at 3 years old and Paul, like many other runners today, pushed his limits. He broke the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a knight, and raised money and awareness for a good cause.
On this warm spring morning, 71 possible record holders gathered in Greenwich, London, to face the challenge and have their costumes checked by our on-site Guinness World Records team.
Despite the early hour, the starting line was electric with energy and our runners couldn't wait to begin their race.
Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford was also present at the finish line, in full official gear, to adjudicate, confirm and celebrate all the records that were broken during the day.
Eventually, at the end of a fun and rewarding day, a total of 44 runners have snatched a world record: an incredible result that undoubtedly rewarded the long months spent training for the event.
Alex Grady was the very first runner in a costume to break a record.
He crossed the finish line and snatched the world record title for fastest marathon dressed as a boxer with an incredible time of 02:38:52.
Although he was predictably exhausted, Alex was also delighted about the result and excited to be handed the official Guinness World Records certificate.
Alex was running for Power2, a charity that "has so many synergies with my personal beliefs and mission," he said.
"I write kid’s books and do public speaking gigs that align directly with what this nonprofit seeks to fortify at a young age. Being able to achieve a Guinness World Records title was the icing on the cake." - Alex
But the records for the day were only beginning.
Surely and steadily, soon after other record-breaking runners started crossing the finishing line with outstanding times and colorful costumes.
Thomas David Hall decided to run in a lifeguard costume, and was the second person to finish the race.
Achieving an incredible time of 2:42:22, he broke the record for fastest marathon dressed as a lifeguard (male).
More runners followed during the early afternoon, from Adele Roberts breaking the record for the fastest marathon with an ileostomy (female) to the eye-catching star costume worn by Peter Banks. Peter broke the record for fastest marathon dressed as a star (male).
After being informed about their result by a spotter, all our triumphant runners took pictures with our on-site adjudicator Will and the much-coveted Guinness World Records certificate.
Then, it was finally time for the athletes to relax, enjoy their result with their family and supporters while basking in the cheering crowd, and get some hard-earned drinks after a long day of running.
This edition also saw the return of some well-known record holders from previous years.
One of them was pluri-record holder and pro athlete Chris “Rhino Boy” Green, who – with his now-famous rhino costume – currently holds the records for the fastest marathon dressed as a mammal (male) and fastest half marathon dressed as a mammal (male).
Although sadly Chris didn't get a new record today, he once again managed to raise awareness for the charity close to his heart.
From aeroplanes to knights, from VW camper vans to scientists, here are all the records broken on the day:
Once again, congratulations to all the runners who have participated in the London Marathon 2023.
We can't wait to see which records will be broken next year, at the London Marathon 2024!
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