US veteran runs for one day STRAIGHT with 40 lb pack to raise awareness for charity

A US Military veteran has raced right into the record books after completing an exhausting one-day long run around a park in Illinois – and if that wasn’t hard enough, he also carried a 40 lb pack the entire way. 

Mark Jones took on the challenge this 7 November to raise funds and awareness for a cause particularly dear to his heart, the Oscar Mike Foundation. The nonprofit supports disabled veterans through adaptive sports and community programmes, connecting them with mental and physical resources that can help them find their passions after service.

The organization was attempting to sign up 20,000 monthly donors so they could break ground on a 100-acre adaptive sports park on Veterans Day – and Mark, as an endurance runner, knew one way he could spread the word was by winning a difficult world record.

So on a freezing morning in Belvidere, Illinois, the determined athlete took to the track to secure the Guinness World Records title for the greatest distance run carrying a 40 lb pack in 24 hours (male). 

Besides the exhausting physical nature of the task, he’d also have to beat an impressive record of 79.16 mi (127.4 km) set by Ebrahim Ataei (Iran) in 2022, yet Mark was convinced he could claim the crown, saying that he had trained well and the weather conditions were ideal.

He ended up taking the record with an incredible distance of 88.67 mi (142.7 km) throughout 24 hours, crushing the prior title and completing the gruelling run with the support from his friends, family, and the power of his mental strength. 

“I am speechless,” said Guinness World Records Adjudicator Chloe McCarthy, who was present for Mark’s attempt. “I am in awe of anyone who runs – period. Now add a 40 lb weight to your back, and do it for 24 hours in a row.

“Mark walks it off like it’s easy – he’s done ‘harder’ things before. After speaking with his coaches and team, it’s clear that today’s achievement was earned not solely due to his athletic ability but because of his mental fortitude. He NEVER got down or gave up.”

The incredible athlete was well-prepared for his attempt, as he has an extensive resume of endurance runs and rucking challenges (cardio with a weighted rucksack) as a race director for Spartan Races – including the Spartan Death Race Championship, whose slogan is “You May Die.”

“I’ve really done a lot of long walks, lots of strength training,” he said about his training process to WGN. “Wake up at three in the morning and get your training in, take care of the kids, take care of your family, and then train again at night.”

Mark was also supported by his friends and coaches, who were very prepared for his race. They set up a tent near the starting line of the course for him to take pit-stops for snacks, drinks, and stretching, and took turns following him around the track on a bicycle to film his attempt, or rubbing down his sore shoulders while he took a break. 

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During the run, Mark completed 1.4 mile “loops” around the park, making pit stops at the tent every three loops for a three-minute meal break. He chowed down on ramen noodles, water, edible energy gels, and later, bacon, while being massaged by his team and coaches before taking to the track again. 

“Every time I [passed the crew tent] there were surprise guests that came out, commentary that kept me entertained, and extraordinary feats – people coming out and running with me,” he said to GWR. “This doesn’t happen without this collective of amazing support. 

“I was running, but they were recruiting people to [the Oscar Mike Foundation] and getting them to understand what this mission means to us.”

By mile 13 – the distance of a half-marathon – Adjudicator Chloe remarked that Mark looked “fresh as a daisy”, and by the six-hour mark, his pace was 27 miles ahead of the previous record holder. He strategically banked a lot of hours early on, as an insurance policy to combat potential fatigue later in the race.

This ended up being a wise strategy, because exhaustion began to kick in during the early hours of the morning. With the dark sky and spitting rain, Mark was almost completely drained, yet he was determined to finish the 24 hours, even if he had to walk.

And just before 8 a.m. the following morning, he finally finished his last lap – completing a total of 88.67 mi (142.7 km) in 24 hours, while carrying a 40 lb weighted pack. 

“I asked his coach how you train for [Mark’s mental stamina]. He said sometimes, you have to consciously decide to do something hard,” said Chloe. “When you practise it enough, things get easier – and you get tougher. 

“Mark may have plenty of practice doing hard things, but it’s clear he also has a remarkably strong mind and spirit. Cheers to this incredible feat.”

Congratulations, Mark – you are Officially Amazing!

Photos provided by Chris Warkocki on behalf of the Oscar Mike Foundation