A man has earned a Guinness World Records title for covering the furthest distance on foot within a week. Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old marathon runner with Down Syndrome, travelled an impressive 100.17km (62.86mi) in Llangollen.
“I’m so happy about achieving this Guinness World Records title! I hope this 100km challenge encourages others to get out and stay active,” Michael said. “We went through some fantastic places in Wales, but the hardest part was Stackpole – it was so hilly and windy, but I still had so much fun. I’m already thinking about my next challenge, which will hopefully be stacking the tallest pile of Welsh cakes!”
Michael started his challenge by taking part in the Cardiff Half Marathon. His challenge then saw him cover several towns and cities throughout Wales, like Stackpole, Aberystwyth, and Llangollen. As part of the challenge, Michael, who is from Chirk, ran and walked between 5-10Km everyday.
Michael had to fight through cold weather while dealing with a tight hamstring, but eventually managed to finish the 100Km. As he went along the way, Michael was accompanied by friends, supporters, and members of local Mencap groups. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
Michael attained the record as part of the Guinness World Record’s impairments initiative, developed in partnership with Mencap. The initiative permits reasonable adjustments for people who have a learning disability and want to attempt Guinness World Records titles.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive at Mencap said: “We are so proud of Michael for achieving this incredible Guinness World Records title! Not only is this a personal achievement, but it is also encouragement for people to stay active while challenging myths and preconceptions about what it means to live life with a learning disability.”
Michael is also a member of the group Myth Busters, which is a group of people who have a learning disability, and are determined to change the misconceptions about what it means to live with a learning disability. Alongside Michael, Myth Buster also includes Harvey Price and CBeebies presenter George Webster.
Michael represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games, and he was also the first Welsh person to complete the London Marathon — running the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 and the in-person event in 2021.
Jon Sparkes OBE said: “It is great to see more people with a learning disability able to attempt world records through this inclusive initiative by Guinness World Records, and we are excited to see even more take on these challenges in the future.”
Michael has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and was the first person with Down Syndrome from Wales to complete the London Marathon — running the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 and the in-person event in 2021.