On Thursday, Toronto-native Ben Pobjoy introduced that he had efficiently concluded the Marathon Earth Problem, a solo journey all over the world that was an try to surpass the Guinness World File of most marathons in a single 12 months (Pobjoy ran 242 42.2 kilometre runs in twelve months) but additionally to develop the problem by navigating these runs throughout almost 70 nations.
“This previous 12 months has been mentally and bodily taxing, nevertheless it’s an unimaginable feeling to have achieved this momentous aim of mine and meet unimaginable individuals alongside the best way,” mentioned Pobjoy. “From trekking in Ulaanbaatar’s chilly -20 diploma temperatures with makeshift winter gear to enduring excessive ranges of humidity in Malta, my year-long, earth-spanning journey has been an unforgettable expertise.”
“The aim of Marathon Earth Problem was by no means to race others, however slightly, remodel my bodily train right into a inventive endeavour and observe our world up-close,” mentioned Pobjoy. He explains on his web site that every marathon was a technique to nurture curiosities and doc findings by way of written essays in newsletters, social media updates and photographic books for others to take pleasure in.
Pobjoy initiated his self-funded problem on Jan. 1, 2023, outfitted with a backpack stuffed with pens and cameras for documentation. Over twelve months, he accomplished 242 freestyle 42.2 km runs, masking a formidable 11,465 kilometres by foot. The varied geographical areas included South America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, the Center East and Asia.
“Was repeatedly examined on earth’s streets but by some means lived to inform,” Pobjoy shared on Instagram. “This journey taught me how tenacious we people are, and the way we’re extra alike than we’re dissimilar. Moreover, I noticed that once we select division over commonality, we lose our humanity. ”
Pobjoy’s working journey started in 2015, a transformative interval in his life when he battled extreme well being points whereas being morbidly overweight. Beginning with outside walks, he shed 100 kilos in eight months, and located that this type of train not solely improved his well being but additionally allowed him to understand the “beautiful fantastic thing about Mom Earth.”
“Whereas Marathon Earth Problem is now full, my awe for the bodily world and my rising urge for food to discover it additional stay. I’m excited to see what my subsequent journey holds,” mentioned Pobjoy.
American runner Larry Macon at present holds the title of the official Guinness report for many marathons accomplished in a single 12 months (by a person) with 239 marathons accomplished in 2012, which had been executed at 239 marathon races.
Learn extra about Ben Pobjoy right here.
Toronto runner completes 242 marathon distance runs across 70 countries in one year
