Men Opposing Sex Trafficking host marathon kickball game fundraiser for 52 hours
Under a cloudless sky on the last weekend of August, over 40 people associated with the Georgia nonprofit MOST (Men Opposing Sex Trafficking) gathered to break their third Guinness World Records title for the longest marathon playing kickball.
The 27 men and 13 women assigned to teams played for 52 hours straight, claiming a record that was held by Padua Franciscan High School (USA) since 2011. The organization also holds the record for longest marathon playing basketball and the longest marathon playing softball, which were won after an incredible 121 hours shooting hoops and smashing pitches.
Yet those involved with the marathon were focused less on the score, and more on their opportunity to raise awareness against sex trafficking. The team raised over $200,000 (£148,792) during their marathon, which goes directly to the nonprofit to support their core values of prevention, intervention, and recovery for victims of trafficking.
Bruce Deel, CEO and founder of MOST, told WSAV News that breaking records helps to shed light on their important work, and shows others that there are many ways to take a stand against these crimes.
“Ultimately, our objective is to raise awareness about the scourge of sex trafficking and provide the tools for everyday people to help stamp it out,” he said. “And as we have become known for these gruelling physical challenges over the last 12 months, we have seen a spike in interest and raised over $800,000 to drive our core mission.”
The nonprofit is no stranger to these competitive games, after claiming their first title from 17 - 22 September 2024 for their five day and 59 minute long softball game. They also won their basketball marathon between 16 - 21 March this year after a 121 hour, three minute, and 20 second long match.
But this was the first challenge for the institution that invited women to join them, and after weeks of planning they finally had a co-ed team that was united behind MOST’s mission.
Each squad had 20 players, with the teams playing in short shifts throughout the day, and alternating longer shifts overnight to allow for sleeping.
The final score of the match was 364-258, and the entire game lasted 287 innings.
And despite the fact that most players ended the game absolutely exhausted, everyone was so proud that the volunteers brought the same energy and dedication to the cause that they did their record-breaking kickball game.
“MOST is so excited to achieve another Guinness World Records title!” said event organizers after the match, when everyone was resting and celebrating.
“We are already looking ahead to our next challenge. Next year we might try to break the record for longest marathon playing volleyball.”
And if you want to take part in this incredible cause out of Fairburn, Georgia, just check out MOST’s website for more details about their organization and fundraising efforts.
Congratulations again on this amazing marathon, MOST – you are all Officially Amazing!