Portadown man amongst those to enter record books at London Marathon

Around 50,000 runners took part
Author: Chris BrennanPublished 21st Apr 2024

Several Guinness World Records have been broken at this year's London Marathon, including for the fastest marathon dressed in an inflatable costume.

Running in a costume can be sweaty work, said Portadown man Stephen Cochrane - who broke the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon dressed as a scientist.

The 36-year-old, who is a university academic, said the time he was aiming to beat was two hours, 55 minutes and 40 seconds, and he officially clocked in at two hours, 48 minutes and 51 seconds.

Mr Cochrane said: "The lab coat gets sweaty, heavy and you overheat very quickly. By halfway I was really struggling."

Elsewhere Simon Killen, 46, from Holbeach, broke the record of two hours, 57 minutes for fastest video game character.

Mr Killen, who has run five marathons, achieved the feat dressed as Mario and set his personal best.

Warren Parish, 41, from Cannock, beat the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon dressed as a cheerleader, adding to his accolade of fastest half marathon dressed in the same outfit.

Mr Parish, who has run 20 marathons, said: "It put a lot of pressure getting this one because I had the first one."

Marcus Mumford, 45, from Worcester, ran the fastest marathon while dressed as a tap, adding to his accolade of fastest marathon dressed as a toilet in 2014.

Sam Hull, 44, from Bromham, ran in memory of his father, who died in August last year, raising funds for Sue Ryder in recognition of all the support his family received.

Mr Hull, who previously broke the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon dressed in school uniform, this time secured the world record for fastest marathon dressed as a tennis player.