4 puzzle cubes, 4 laps, 5 minutes: runner breaks record by racing mile while solving cube
A British runner has claimed a puzzling Guinness World Records title after completing four cubes in just five minutes time – while sprinting around a track.
George Scholey (UK), a repeat record holder and speedcubing champion, accomplished the title for the fastest time to complete a puzzle cube mile this 12 October by working his way through a Rubik’s cube, sprinting a 400 m (1,312 ft) lap, and repeating until his mile was up.
Finishing with a time of 5 min 9.25 sec, he braved the windy weather at Central Tech high school in Toronto, Canada to take his fourth multitasking, speedcubing record.
Raised in Northamptonshire, England, UK, George claimed his first title in October 2022 for the most rotating puzzle cubes solved on a skateboard. Combining two of his passions – skateboarding and speedcubing – he scooted around on his board and completed some tricks, all the while finishing a grand total of 500 cubes in a little over 90 minutes. Afterwards, he told GWR that he wasn’t sure what hurt more – his legs, his fingers, or his brain.
Nevertheless, Geroge returned just a month later to achieve the most rotating puzzle cubes solved in 24 hours, by finishing a mind-boggling 6,931 in one day. Sustained by food hand-fed to him by his friends, he nimbly averaged one cube per 12.5 seconds throughout the course of the entire challenge.
Arguably his most audacious attempt yet, however, was for the most rotating puzzle cubes solved while running a marathon – endeavoured at the TCS London Marathon in 2024, where he solved 520 cubes.
His record has since been broken by Toti Moragas Pardell (Spain) with 561 – though if this recent record attempt is any indication, George doesn’t give up easily.
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As an ambassador for both Red Bull and Rubik’s due to his athletic cubing, George was looking for a similar title to beat when he discovered the puzzle cube mile title.
On his Instagram, he documented his training over seven weeks, demonstrating how he had to improve his speed at sprinting (and speedcubing) just to get at a comfortable level for the challenge.
A few weeks out from the attempt, he posted a slideshow of evidence of his preparation progress – indicating that he was able to solve a cube in just 3.86 seconds, and also managed a mile speed of 4:50 during a relay event – each of which put him in good shape to compete.
And finally, after running a few more practice sessions on the track, George felt ready.
Surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of spectators, the runner stretched and warmed up before preparing to race – and cube – like his life depended on it.
At the sound of a horn, George lifted off the covering that shielded the puzzle cube, and immediately picked it up and solved it in nine seconds flat. He then instantly darted on to the track, and rushed to finish his first lap in just 67 seconds.
For round two, he removed the covering and solved the cube in 10.5 seconds, upholding his pace by racing his second lap also in 67 seconds.
His third time around, George finished the cube at his best speed yet – remarkably, 8.5 seconds. He lost a little speed in the run, however, managing the third lap in 70 seconds.
Finally, the last push.
Returning to his original form, George smashed the cube in 9.5 seconds, and prepared for the longest sprint yet.
With loud cheers emanating from his proud supporters, George set off on the final lap, which was 9.344 m (30.66 ft) longer than the prior three so as to make sure he finished with an even mile distance.
Racing around the bend, he managed to finish the final stretch in just 68 seconds – claiming the title with an overall time of 5 min and 9.25 sec.
George leapt into the arms of his friends to celebrate, and described his headspace as “absolutely buzzing.”
So congratulations to this fast-footed speedcuber – George, once again, you are Officially Amazing!