Guinness World Records collaborates with Dubai Marathon for record attempts

Guinness World Records has partnered with the Dubai Marathon for a unique collaboration that will allow participants to attempt world records while running in the iconic event on January 12, 2025.

This partnership offers runners across various distance categories the chance to break verified records, adding a fresh dimension to one of the region’s top annual sporting events.

Participants can attempt to set records in a range of creative categories, such as running in costumes for a humanitarian cause, participating in a group run, or exploring other inventive challenges.

Some of the more unconventional record ideas include running the marathon while dribbling a football or basketball, completing the race blindfolded, or running in a school uniform, business suit, or doctor’s outfit. For those seeking even more fun, there are categories for running while hula-hooping or balancing an egg and spoon. Additionally, there are records for the fastest marathon times completed by a mother and daughter or father and son.

Shaddy Gaad, senior marketing manager at Guinness World Records, highlighted the initiative’s broader impact:

“This partnership with the Dubai Marathon aligns with our mission to inspire communities to embrace sports, while offering them an incredible chance to enter the record books.”

He added that participants will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements through Guinness World Records' official channels, and that registration for record attempts will be completely free. “Participants will also enjoy expedited processing and immediate consideration for record approval,” Gaad confirmed.

Peter Connerton, event director of the Dubai Marathon, also spoke about the initiative:

“It’s a fun opportunity for all runners already registered for the marathon on January 12. Of course, any record attempt related to fundraising must first receive written approval from the relevant authorities, in accordance with UAE laws regarding charitable donations.”