Monday, May 20, 2013

  Longest Ferris wheel ride: Clinton Shepherd breaks Guinness world record (VIDEO)

CHICAGO, IL, USA -- Clinton Shepherd, park operations manager at Navy Pier, spent 48 hours, 8 minutes and 25 seconds riding Navy Pier's Ferris wheel and setting the new world record for the Longest Ferris wheel ride (Longest Marathon on a Fairground/Theme Attraction), according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/ .

  Photo: Operations manager Clinton Shepherd stayed on Navy Pier's Ferris wheel for a full 48 hours, breaking the world record for longest ride on a Ferris wheel. Photo: Al Podgorski ( enlarge photo )

 The Guinness world record for the the longest marathon riding a fairground attraction is 30 hours and 35 seconds and was achieved by Robbie "The Intern" Gibson & 104.9 Virgin Radio (both Canada) at the Capital Ex in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

  Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the largest Ferris Wheel indoors; it measures 47.60 metres (156 ft 2 in) and was created by the government of Turkmenistan.

He calls it "a very overwhelming experience," made easier by the support of friends, family and the city of Chicago. Guinness World Records allowed him to have one five-minute break each hour.

  He played hours of videogames to stay awake during the ride, and watched James Bond and Batman movies. Supporters followed him on Twitter.

  "This achievement highlights Navy Pier as the number one tourist attraction in the Midwest and serves as a great attraction as the City of Chicago honors the men and women of the Armed Forces," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said.

  "Navy Pier is excited to host Clinton's world record attempt," Navy Pier, Inc CEO Marilynn Gardner said. "We support his commitment to bringing the world record to the city of Chicago where the first Ferris wheel was built in 1893 and we are proud to partner with him to dedicate his ride to the men and women of the armed forces."

  Navy Pier also offered free rides on all Pier Park attractions to all active military men and women and their families ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday.

  Chicago is the birthplace of the first Ferris Wheel, built in 1893 for the World's Columbian Exposition.