Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old runner, achieved a Guinness World Record by covering 100.17km in a week, inspiring many along the way
Llangollen: A remarkable achievement just took place! Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old marathon runner with Down Syndrome, has set a Guinness World Record by running an incredible 100.17km in just one week.
Michael expressed his joy, saying, “I’m so happy about achieving this Guinness World Records title! I hope this 100km challenge encourages others to get out and stay active.” He shared that the toughest part of his journey was the hilly and windy terrain in Stackpole, but he had a blast overall. He’s already dreaming about his next challenge, which might involve stacking the tallest pile of Welsh cakes!
His journey kicked off with the Cardiff Half Marathon, and he covered various towns across Wales, including Stackpole, Aberystwyth, and Llangollen. Each day, he ran or walked between 5-10km, pushing through the cold and a tight hamstring.
Along the way, Michael had the support of friends and local Mencap groups, making the experience even more special. He achieved this record as part of an initiative by Guinness World Records, which aims to support individuals with learning disabilities in pursuing their record-breaking dreams.
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive at Mencap, praised Michael’s achievement, highlighting its significance in challenging stereotypes about living with a learning disability. Michael is also part of a group called Myth Busters, which aims to change misconceptions about learning disabilities.
Notably, Michael has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and was the first Welsh person to complete the London Marathon, both virtually in 2020 and in person in 2021. His journey is a testament to determination and the power of inclusivity in sports.
Jon Sparkes OBE added that it’s fantastic to see more individuals with learning disabilities taking on world records through this inclusive initiative, and he looks forward to seeing more challenges in the future.
