Saturday, January 21, 2012

  Longest marathon playing squash singles: Guy Fotherby and Darren Withey sets world record (Video)

 THAME, UK-- Guy Fotherby, 51, and Darren Withey, 48, played 475 games of competitive Squash in 31 hrs 19 mins and 4secs at Raquets Fitness Centre in Thame, Oxfordshire, while raising funds for their two charities, Cancer Research and the Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children - setting the new world record for the Longest squash marathon, singles, according to World Record Academy (www.worldrecordacademy.com).

  Photo courtesy:   ThameNews.Net
  ( enlarge photo )

The Guinness world record for the longest marathon playing squash singles was 29 hr 55 min by Paul Duffy and Matthew Lloyd Lewis (both UK) at the David Lloyd club in Cardiff, UK.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the most consecutive opponents in squash singles: 69, by Ian Charles (UK) at the David Lloyd club in Cardiff, UK. Charles required 31 hr 55 min to complete the gamut of opponents.

  Professional Squash coach, Darren, who is 47 years-old, has coached and played for Racquets Fitness Centre who hosted the event, for many years.

  52 year-old Guy is Director of Marketing & Development for Meritus Hotels & Resorts, who are one of the main sponsors of the club's first team and pledged £100 for every hour of the World Record attempt.

  The pair were only allowed a five minute break every hour in which they had to eat, drink and go to the bathroom.

  Guy said the biggest motivation was the knowledge of the good causes he was raising money for.
  "We had a fantastic team supporting us. In the five minute breaks you had people massaging us and pummelling your back while you grabbed a bite.
  "After a while I couldn't face food and just hydrated.

  The event was held at Raquets Fitness Centre . Simon Martin, manager of Raquets Fitness Centre, said: "The pair looked absolutely shattered. It obviously took a lot out of them and took a lot mentally. "I'd like to thank all the sponsors and everyone who helped make it happen.

  So far, the two record-breakers have raised almost £9,000 through sponsorship for their two charities, Cancer Research and the Chiltern Centre for Disabled Children, both of which are close to the hearts of both players.

  Their target is £10,000 and more donations and pledges are still coming in.