A stitch in (record) time: Marathon runner knits scarf as long as a giraffe during race
Some people have all the skills.
For example, take Simon Fannon – a marathon runner from the UK who can crush race records while creating his eye-catching crafts.
The talented athlete claimed a Guinness World Records title at the TCS London Marathon this 26 April for the longest scarf knitted whilst running a marathon, after fabricating an 18 ft 3 in (5.59 m)-long multicoloured scarf during the race.
That’s an accessory roughly the size of an adult male giraffe!
In his application, Simon told GWR that he was inspired to take on the record as a way to publicly promote men knitting. He currently has over 60,000 followers on Instagram at the handle @veteranknitter, where he encourages men from all backgrounds to pick up the hobby for their mental wellbeing.
He also said that he took on the challenge as a way to raise money for charity – specifically the Huntington’s Disease Association and the ReOrg Charity – since both causes are deeply personal to his heart. As a former Royal Marine, he is passionate about supporting veterans as they rebuild themselves – particularly in their tough times, such as when his mother was diagnosed with Huntington’s.
Read more stories about record-breaking runners in our dedicated Sports and Fitness section!
“I love knitting, and wondered to my wife if there might be some sort of related Guinness World Records title I could have a go at,” he said to the BBC. “So she looked online and saw there was one for running a marathon and simultaneously knitting a scarf.
“It struck me as a bonkers way to get seen, and shed light on the good causes I support.”
In addition to knitting his record-breaking scarf, Simon finished the marathon with an impressive time of five hours, 48 minutes, and eight seconds – not a bad time for someone who spent the race looking down at their needles!
He was also one of 37 runners who broke a Guinness World Records title during the race, including: the fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader (male), George Carley (UK) with 2:46:48, the fastest marathon dressed as an emoji (male), Stuart Hayes (UK) with 3:31:39, and the fastest marathon in foam clogs (male) – otherwise known as Crocs – was Harley Smith (UK) with 2:47:42.
So congratulations, Simon – you are Officially Amazing!