Friday, May 23, 2014

 Most Marathons on 7 Continents in 1 Year: Trent Morrow sets world record (VIDEO)

BONDI BEACH, Australia -- Between April 2013 and April 2014, Trent Morrow, 40, successfully completed 160 official marathons across 7 continents, 12 countries and 39 States across the USA, setting the new world record for the Most Marathons on 7 Continents in 1 Year, according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/ .
  Photo: "The ultimate goal was to run 160 marathons across all 7 Continents over a 365 day period and in the process do something that has never been done before to establish a new world record. Many people doubted this was possible, although I had a real purpose and was determined… Now I've done it."
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The Guinness world record for the most marathons completed in one year by a male was 114 by Traviss Willcox (UK) between 1 January and 31 December 2011.

  Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the most marathons run on consecutive days: 52 - achieved by Akinori Kusuda (Japan) on the Besshonuma Park Jogging Course, Saitama, Japan, from 30 January to 22 March 2009.

  Speaking from The Boston Marathon finish line, where he had just completed marathon number 160 across 7 Continents over the last year, Morrow said: "This is a very emotional occasion and I'm really looking forward to coming home to Australia", Morrow said.

  "I've been on the road for the past 16 months and I'm really looking forward to bringing the World Record home and enjoying the support of an Australian crowd."

  Marathons completed on home soil in 2013 include 8 marathons run in 14 days in the 3 marathons in 3 Days in Far North Queensland tropical rainforest of Cairns, the scenic holiday paradise at the Gold Coast Marathon, three marathons across the challenging Simpson Desert and a marathon in Morrow's home town Sydney.

  The remaining marathons were completed around the world, a logistical challenge never before attempted in such a timeframe across countries including Scotland, Sweden, England, Ireland, France, Germany, South Africa, Chile, Canada, United States, Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Italy.

  Morrow said, "The ultimate goal was to run 160 marathons across all 7 Continents over a 365 day period and in the process do something that has never been done before to establish a new world record. Many people doubted this was possible, although I had a real purpose and was determined… Now I've done it."

   He has pulled off the challenge of making it to the start line of 161 marathons, flying around the globe more than 200,000 miles, driving more than 30,000 miles, travelling by train more than 2,260 miles and by sea more than 1,240 miles covering a total distance close to 250,000 miles to achieve the incredible goal.

  This travel schedule is simply out of this world and then this inspiring former Sales Manager runs an average of three marathons every week covering more than 5,240 miles during the 2013 - 2014 challenge that concludes at the iconic Boston Marathon on 21 April.

   Morrow's goal was not just about attempting a new World Record, though.   The inspiration behind his mission was as a tribute to the memory of his Mom, Kay Morrow who lost her brave battle with bowel cancer 20 years ago and more recently to support his Step Mom, Carol Morrow who was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and unfortunately lost her battle in March 2013 while Morrow was pursuing the challenge.

  This significant achievement is on a scale never seen prior with the challenge of bringing together the logistics of making the start line for each event something that will go down in history.

  The challenge has been extreme with many overnight travels between marathons and limited sleep time presenting the ultimate physical test and the practical financial realities a battle of survival day in day out.

   "There have been no guarantees from the start of this journey with the finances and logistics the major challenge. The ability to keep moving forward and finding a way to each start line around the globe has been a phenomenal challenge like nothing ever seen.
   In many ways this has been a journey of faith with many in the running community donating funds, accommodation and assisting with transport to see the dream realised."

   "I am not an elite athlete and it was only a few years ago that I was 30kg overweight and working crazy hours with no balance in my life. I wanted to show that anything is possible when you want it bad enough and hopefully inspire others to follow their dreams. We only get one chance to be in this incredible world and it is all about leaving a footprint for the next generation."

  "The focus I had on my career had caused me to lose sight of my health and with no regular fitness schedule, poor diet had resulted in me gaining weight and suffering from a lack of energy.
  Fortunately, I recognised that it was time for me to take personal responsibility and change my life for the better. So in 2007, I made a decision to change my life. Now I hope to inspire others that it really is possible to transform themselves and embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.

  "Running marathons has helped me reduce my weight from 120kg in 2006 to less than 90kg now.
   I am certainly not your stereotypical runner [Trent is 6' 2'" or 187cm] I want to show people you don't have to have a physique like a Kenyan to do it."

Why the superhero outfit?
  "It has been part of building a recognisable brand. I needed to stand out to promote the cause and subtly suggest that everyone can be your own superhero at whatever they choose to do, like "Marathon Man".
   It all started with a chance meeting with the Sydney Roosters legend Brad Fittler in early 2008. I mentioned the idea of creating the Marathon Man uniform and Fittler encouraged me to 'make up the suit' prior to training with the team during the pre season.

What is your attitude to other competitors running lots of marathons?
   "There is a deep respect for anyone that takes on the marathon distance. This is a clear world first with the number of marathon races and people competing in these major marathon events around the world providing the real test.
   I am extremely proud to have completed the majority of events in major city marathons as opposed to many that may share or create small events to simply run the distance with a few friends and family."