On Sunday 23rd April 2023 I was delighted to set an official new Guinness World Record (3 hours 52 minutes and 12 seconds) at the TCS London Marathon in the "Fastest marathon dressed as a milk deliverer (male)" category! See the updates below for my race report and more pictures.

I did this to raise funds for Cancer Research UK in memory of my Mum, Eileen Qualter, who we lost to bowel cancer recently.

To comply with Guinness's requirements I had to run the entire marathon in an American 1950s style milkman costume. Including white shirt, bow tie, white trousers, belt and a hat. I also had to carry four bottles filled with fresh milk in an appropriate carrier (total weight approx. 6lb/2.7KG). To break the world record I needed to complete the 26.2 mile course in 3 hours 59 minutes or faster. It was quite a tough target, the average finish time of all participants at last years London Marathon was 4 hours and 35 minutes. A team of official adjudicators were in attendance to monitor all aspects of my record attempt. 

About me; I'm a 56yo father of three from Exmouth in Devon. I'm actually a milkman in real life too. I've been delivering in traditional glass bottles to doorsteps in Exeter, Exmouth and surrounding areas since November 2000. This was my 19th marathon. My previous marathon finishes include races in Berlin, New York, Boston and Chicago. I've run the London Marathon once before, way back in 1992 when, aged 25yo, I completed the course in 3:23:20.

In 2010, then known as 'The Walking Milkman', I made headlines when I completed a solo, unsupported walk from John o'Groats to Lands End to raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support. 48 days after leaving John o'Groats I successfully arrived at Lands End having completed a scenic 1,008 mile route on foot.

I've taken care of all expenses, every penny donated will go to Cancer Research UK. If you can please consider helping me reach my fundraising target. Together we will beat cancer.

Your support means a lot to me, thank-you so much!

Gary.

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