On 7th July Paul Evans, Lecturer in Foundation Studies at Brecon College was one of the many runners to take part in the Wales Marathon 2019 in Tenby. Paul however was one of 122 runners who formed the Cancer Research Wales team hoping to break the record for the most runners linked to complete a marathon.
The team successfully managed to complete the courses and enter the Guinness World Records, finishing the 26.2 mile course in a time of 6 hours 42 minutes linked together by rope. The runners were organised into 30 rows of four runners. Many of the participants themselves had been affected by cancer in some way.
Paul said ‘the event was truly fantastic with a great atmosphere. I’m so pleased to be part of a world record’
The idea stemmed from Cancer Research Wales supporter Neal Gardner, a Royal Mail employee, who initially broke the record 10 years ago, when he and 29 other runners completed the London Marathon. He joined together with Dale Evans, Cancer Research Wales Events Manager, and organised the 122 participates to raise the barr to break the world record.
Dale said: “It cannot be overstated what this group has achieved – to have so many runners of all ages and abilities coming together to run 26.2 miles is truly remarkable.
“As well as breaking a Guinness World Records title, our runners’ efforts are also helping to fund important research into the prevention, early diagnosis and better treatment that will benefit cancer patients in Wales and beyond.”
If you would like to donate please do so via the Just Giving site: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/walesmarathongwr
