Toronto runner completes 242 marathon distance runs across 70 countries in one year
On Thursday, Toronto-native Ben Pobjoy announced that he had successfully concluded the Marathon Earth Challenge, a solo journey around the world that was an attempt to surpass the Guinness World Record of most marathons in one year (Pobjoy ran 242 42.2 kilometer runs in 365 days) but also to expand the challenge by navigating these runs across nearly 70 countries.
“This past year has been mentally and physically taxing, but it’s an incredible feeling to have achieved this momentous goal of mine and meet incredible people along the way,” said Pobjoy. “From trekking in Ulaanbaatar’s chilly -20 degree temperatures with makeshift winter gear to enduring extreme levels of humidity in Malta, my year-long, earth-spanning adventure has been an unforgettable experience.”
“The purpose of Marathon Earth Challenge was never to race others, but rather, transform my physical exercise into a creative endeavor and observe our world up-close,” said Pobjoy. He explains on his website that each marathon was a method to nurture curiosities and document findings through written essays in newsletters, social media updates and photographic books for others to enjoy.
Pobjoy initiated his self-funded challenge on Jan. 1, 2023, equipped with a backpack filled with pens and cameras for documentation. Over 365 days, he completed 242 freestyle 42.2 km runs, covering an impressive 11,465 kilometers by foot. The diverse geographical locations included South America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
“Was regularly tested on earth’s streets yet somehow lived to tell,” Pobjoy shared on Instagram. “This adventure taught me how tenacious we humans are, and how we’re more alike than we are dissimilar. Furthermore, I observed that when we choose division over commonality, we lose our humanity. ”
Pobjoy’s running journey began in 2015, a transformative period in his life when he battled severe health issues while being morbidly obese. Starting with outdoor walks, he shed 100 pounds in eight months, and found that this form of exercise not only improved his health but also allowed him to appreciate the “exquisite beauty of Mother Earth.”
“While Marathon Earth Challenge is now complete, my awe for the physical world and my growing appetite to explore it further remain. I am excited to see what my next adventure holds,” said Pobjoy.
American runner Larry Macon currently holds the title of the official Guinness record for most marathons completed in one year (by a man) with 239 marathons completed in 2012, which were done at 239 marathon races.
posted Monday January 8th
by Keeley Milne