Canadian Man Runs 242 Full Marathons and 11,465 km in One Year

Guinness World Record Expected to Be Broken
"It Was Difficult but a Significant Achievement"

A Canadian man who participated in 242 marathon races in just one year is making headlines. His goal is to break the Guinness World Record for the most marathon completions. On the 5th (local time), Canadian CBC News highlighted Ben Pobjoy, a Canadian man who took part in 242 freestyle marathon events over the course of a year. A freestyle marathon refers to a race run over the standard marathon distance without a prepared course.

Pobjoy, who is attempting the so-called 'Marathon Earth Challenge,' has participated in marathons across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In each race, he completed the full 26.2 miles (42.16 km) without fail.

Ben Fobjoy who completed 242 freestyle marathons in one year [Image source=Instagram]

Pobjoy's goal is to set the world record for the highest number of marathon participations. He told the media, "The past year was mentally and physically very tough," but added, "I achieved a significant goal and met amazing people along the way. I feel really good."

Despite all kinds of harsh conditions, Pobjoy succeeded in completing the marathons. He said, "I had to trek on a road in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, at minus 20 degrees Celsius wearing makeshift winter gear," and "I also ran enduring the humidity in Malta. I will never forget this adventure of crossing the globe in one year."

However, his challenge is not simply about competing against other runners. Pobjoy emphasized, "The purpose of this challenge is to transform physical exercise into creative exercise and to observe the world we live in more closely."

The current Guinness World Record for the most marathons completed in one year is held by American Larry Macon. In 2012, he completed 239 marathons. Pobjoy completed 242 marathons, surpassing Larry Macon's record by three. He has submitted an application to Guinness World Records.

Meanwhile, Pobjoy, who used to work at a Canadian advertising company, quit his job to undertake the marathon challenge. Over the past year, he traveled around the world, running approximately 11,465 km.

He told CBC, "The pandemic showed that the world can turn upside down in a week," and emphasized, "I realized that I need to prioritize what truly makes me happy?traveling and trekking?in my life."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.