It is with much sadness that we have heard that Gibson, the Guinness World Record™ record-holder for world's tallest dog, has lost one of his front legs to bone cancer.
Gibson, a Harlequin Great Dane, stands an impressive 107 cm (42.2 in) tall and is a dog loved by all who know of him and those who have been fortunate enough to meet him. Owned by Sandy Hall of Grass Valley, California, USA, Gibson has been a great canine ambassador for Guinness World Records appearing on various television shows and being a part of many photo shoots and book launches. Stuart E. F. Claxton, spokesperson for the company in the USA said, "I remember working with Gibson and Sandy on a TV show and it was wonderful the reaction Gibson would get every time he came on stage. Old and young alike were in awe of this big, friendly dog, especially when he stood on his hind legs and put his front paws on the host's shoulders! Without a doubt he's the biggest in more ways than one".
Sandy has told us that fortunately the cancer was caught very early which meant Gibson could be treated quickly. Gibson is now home on the way to recovery and his overall prognosis is good.
Guinness World Records wish him and Sandy all the best.
15th May 2009
Our sincerest birthday and congratulatory wishes go out to the record holding dachshund herself, Chanel, the Oldest Living Dog who turned a very impressive 21 years old on May 6th, 2009.
To celebrate this milestone, a birthday party was held in her honor at the New York Dog Spa & Hotel. The party was sponsored by Dogswell®, a privately owned pet food company which produces the treats in which her owners, Karl & Denise Shaugnessey of Port Jefferson, New York attribute the dog’s long life to. Guinness World Records representatives Jamie Panas & Kate White attended the birthday party and presented Chanel and her owners with an updated certificate.
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Party on May 6 in New York City Features Guinness World Records® Presentation
What:
Chanel is 147 years old in dog years and will soon be 21 years old in human years. Just like your grandma, her hair is completely white, she gets cold easily and needs glasses (or in this case, “doggles” for her cataracts).
On May 6, 2009, DOGSWELL®, the fastest growing private pet food company in America, will throw Chanel a birthday bash at the New York Dog Hotel & Spa complete with an oversized birthday cake, many canine attendees and an official presentation by Guinness World Records®. Chanel, a dachshund and resident of Port Jefferson Station, NY, is a longtime fan of DOGSWELL’s® HAPPY HIPS® Lamb & Rice treats. Her owners, Denice and Karl Shaugnessey, attribute her long life and agile hips to the tasty treat.
When & Where:
May 6, 2009
12:30 p.m.
New York Dog Hotel & Spa
32 West 25th Street (Between 6th Ave. and Broadway)
New York, NY 10010
*Due to limited space, this event is not open to the public.
About DOGSWELL®
DOGSWELL® is located in Los Angeles, Calif., and was founded by Marco Giannini in 2004. DOGSWELL® and CATSWELL® products are carried in more than 5,000 pet stores and natural food stores nationwide. DOGSWELL® is proud to have donated over a million dollars of food and treats to shelters and rescues. For more information about DOGSWELL® products, please visit www.dogswell.com.
DOGSWELL® recently launched a Nationwide Bow-Wow Bailout. From April 15 – May 15, DOGSWELL® is offering one free bag of dry dog food to the first 10,000 eligible people who have either lost their job or received a pay decrease. Viewers can submit the DOGSWELL® Bow-Wow Bailout redemption form, which is available at www.dogswell.com, by emailing bailout@dogswell.com, or calling 1-888-559-8833.
Download full press release as pdf >>>
Tuesday 05th May 2009
It has been brought to the attention of Guinness World Records that 11-year-old Michelito Lagravere’s recent killing of six calves in a bullfight in Merida, Mexico will be submitted to Guinness World Records for recognition as a potential world record. Guinness World Records was not aware that this event was taking place, and will not recognise the result. We do not accept records based on the killing or harming of animals.
Datca Turkey, November 2009 - Record holder Ali Bahcepete is back for Guinness World Records Day 2009 and will try to break his own records for the most concrete blocks broken in one minute and most concrete blocks broken in a single stack.
He will also be attempting to get his record for the most concrete blocks broken in 30 seconds back – record currently held by his Norwegian competitor Narve Laeret.
Ali Bahcepete has been performing Taekwondo for over 42 years and won 10 world championships organised by the Taekwondo World Federation for concrete blocks breaking, including two in the year 2009.
The event will take place on 12th November in Datcha, Turkey as part of Guinness World Records Day 2009 and for the Datca Sport Club’s charity.
Guinness World Records is saddened to hear of the death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50.
Jackson holds numerous Guinness World Records including the most Grammy Awards won in a year, most hit singles in the UK charts in a year, best selling album of all time, longest span of No.1 hits by an R&B artist, best selling music video, highest annual earnings ever for a pop star, and most successful pop music family.
Speaking in London tonight, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief, Craig Glenday commented "I will always be immensely proud to know that Michael considered me a friend, and I know that everyone at Guinness World Records will be numb from hearing the news that this gentle, kind, shy man is no longer with us. On his last visit to the Guinness World Records office, he devoted a few valuable hours of his time being photographed with everyone, and we were all touched by his humility and willingness to please everyone present with autographs and photos. I'm honoured to have had the chance to spend some time with such a wonderfully talented artist - the man we called the Most Famous Living Man on Earth - and to present him with his favourite world record of all, the biggest selling album of all time, for Thriller, of course. He leaves behind an incredible musical legacy and a body of work unrivalled by any other performer."
26 June 2009
GWR Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday recounts his first, nerve-wracking meeting with the “Lady with the Nails”
When I first met the wonderful Lee Redmond, I was playing the role of chauffeur. I’d been asked to collect Lee and her granddaughter at Heathrow and bring then back to GWR Towers without any fuss.
This was a few years back, and my first experience of the “airport run”. I’ve since welcomed the likes of smallest man He Pingping and tallest man Xi Shun to the UK, but this was my first experience waiting in the throng of expectant families and anxious girl- and boyfriends for a record holder.
I was getting increasingly nervous as every moment passed – what if she never made the connecting flight? Had she even left Utah? If she did make the flight, was it comfortable? The launch of the 2007 book was relying on her cooperation with the press and without Lee, there’d be no launch! Yet we’d never met her! What would she be like? What kind of a woman would grow her nails like giant talons?
Nervous? I certainly wouldn’t win any records for the length of my nails that day!
Then the air seemed to change. It’s that moment just before a GWR holder as striking and as arresting as Lee enters the Arrivals hall. The faces of the usually weary travellers change – you notice the furrowed brows, the widened gapes, excited children looking back over their shoulders, a general buzz of excitement.
Then she appeared - a vision in electric turquoise jogging pants, her face haloed by that amazing shock of bright blonde hair. By her side was her granddaughter, but the petite Lee really could have mistaken for her sister. It’s only then that you notice the nails; Lee cuts such an incredible figure that, even without her nails, she catches your eye.
It’s inevitable in our technological times that mobile phone and digital cameras are going to be whipped out whenever someone famous or noteworthy appears in public. It was no different with Lee – but she took the flashes in her stride, even stopping to show a dumbstruck traveller her nails up close. One of the inescapable side effects of having metre-long fingernails, I guess!
On the road back to the office, Lee spoke about her flights to the UK. Despite being booked on Business Class, Lee’s first aircraft, from Salt Lake City, was Economy-only, so she squeezed her tiny self and her nails into her even tinier seat. The fold-down seats on her transatlantic jumbo offered little more comfort. Worse still, he’d been unable to use the restrooms – should could (just) fit in to the cubicle but could neither turn around nor lock the door.
But Lee quickly brushed aside the discomfort and set my mind a rest – she was happy to be in London and looking forward to seeing the sites. She worked hard that week for the launch, appearing on TV shows, being interviewed with the same set of questions time and time again, and offering pose after pose to countless snappers. Throughout the whole arduous period, she remained cheery and obliging and a joy to spend time with.
My most recent encounter with Lee was on her home turf in Salt Lake City, Utah. Concerned about her health after the car crash, I popped over to see her and help our press team film the first interview after her life-threatening accident. Once again, I was struck by her joie de vivre and strong sense of survival. Life had thrown her a curveball, she said, but she just just got right back up again.
Thankfully, Lee made a spectacular recovery, albeit sans her nails! “That time in my life is now over,” she said over dinner. “I truly believe that the decision for me to lose my nails was taken out of my hands and made by a higher authority. It’s a sign – I may not have known that I needed to move on, but I do now!”
So, enjoy the exclusive video footage of Lee discussing her life with long nails then her new existence without them. You see that I had nothing to be worried about – she’s the sweetest, kindest and most open record holder I know. I’m honoured to have known the old Lee and now the new Lee, one of the world’s most recognisable women… with or without the fingernails!
A few months ago we wrote that Gibson, the tallest dog in the world, had sadly lost a leg to osteosarcoma, a form of canine bone cancer. Although terrible news, we were pleased to hear that, nevertheless, our big canine friend was doing well and seemed to be on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, we have recently learned that Gibson has lost his fight with cancer and has passed away.
"We will miss Gibson very much as he was a wonderful record-holder and a memorable member of the Guinness World Records family" said Stuart Claxton of Guinness World Records. "We extend our condolences to his owner Sandy Hall with whom we shared many happy moments as we celebrated Gibson and his record all over the world".
Gibson, a 7-year-old Harlequin Great Dane and Guinness World Record holder for the world’s Tallest Dog (42.2 in tall) passed away from cancer on Friday, Aug. 7 2009 near Sacramento, California, USA.
12 August 2009
Guinness World Records regrets to inform that Tomoji Tanabe died at his home in southern Japan on Friday the 19th of June 2009 at the age of 113. Tomoji held the record for oldest living male since 24 January 2007. Tomoji was an inspirational record holder and will be missed by all of us at Guinness World Records.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.
Henry Allingham (UK) inherits the title of oldest living man. Henry was born in Clapham, London, on 6 June 1896 and took the British title on 19 January 2007 aged 110 years 227 days. Mr Allingham is also the oldest surviving member of the armed forces, having served in both World Wars.
Craig Glenday, Editor in-chief of Guinness World Records said "We're pleased to see an English man take the world record- the last time someone from England held the title was Frederick Butterfield, who died on 9 March 1974 aged 110"
19 June 2009
For all enquiries contact: tallestman@guinnessworldrecords.com.
26-year-old part-time farmer Sultan Kosen, who measures a staggering 8ft 1 in (246.5 cm) in height, has been handed the hallowed title of new ‘tallest man in the world’.
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-chief of Guinness World Records, said: “Sultan is the first man over 8 ft (2.43 m) to be measured by Guinness World Record in over 20 years. Indeed, we know only of 10 confirmed or reliable cases in history of humans reaching 8 ft or more. To be totally sure of Sultan’s height, I travelled to Turkey in February this year to measure him personally. He’s an imposing figure, towering above all others, but at the same time a gentle, quiet man who’s totally relaxed and unfazed about his unique standing in the world. It’s a pleasure to welcome him into the Guinness World Records family.”
Appearing in front of the world’s press for the very first time, Sultan from Mardin, South-East Turkey declared ‘I never imagined I would be in the book, I dreamed about it, but it was still a huge surprise’.
Sultan is one of five, three brothers and one sister, and his family, including his mum and dad, are all ‘normal’ sized. Because of his extreme height he was never able to finish school but works occasionally as a farmer to support his family. He describes one of the advantages of being tall as being able to help out his mum out with jobs such as changing a broken light bulb and hanging curtains. Disadvantages to his height he lists include not being able to find clothes or shoes that fit or finding it extremely hard to fit into a regular size car.
Like every young man in their twenties, Sultan enjoys listening to music, playing computer games and watching movies. When asked what he looks forward to by being officially the tallest man, Sultan said, “To travel and see the world and have a car that accommodates my size! My biggest dream though is to get married and have children – I’m looking for love.’”
For all enquiries contact: tallestman@guinnessworldrecords.com
17 September 2009
"Cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women" finally take their toll on world's oldest man.
Henry Allingham, the oldest surviving veteran of World War I, passes away after a short period as the world's oldest living man.
Henry (b. 6 June 1896), whose remarkable life spanned three centuries and six monarchs – and who saw the death of Queen Victoria, the sinking of the Titanic and the first Moon landings – has died peacefully from natural causes at his care home in Ovington, near Brighton, UK. He leaves behind five grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-grandchild.
"We never had the opportunity to meet Henry and award him his Guinness World Records™ certificate," said Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief. "It was only a month ago that he took the title of oldest living man – indeed, we were in Barcelona printing the UK edition of the 2010 book when we heard the news of Henry's achievement, and to make sure we recognized this fantastic character, we stopped the presses, updated the record and printed new copies with Henry's photograph. I'm pleased we were able to honour Henry and provide this lasting tribute to such an inspirational man."
When asked his secret to long life, Henry joked, tongue in cheek: "Cigarettes, whisky and wild, wild women – and a good sense of humour." He also swore by a diet of jellied eels, his favourite food.
The title of world's oldest living man will now most likely fall to American Walter Breuning, who was born on 21 September 1896. Guinness World Records will make a formal announcement as soon as the record has been verified by Senior Gerontology Consultant Robert Young.
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief
18 July 2009
Guinness World Records officially recognizes Walter Breuning, born on Sept. 21, 1896 in Melrose, Minnesota, USA, as the world’s oldest living man, following the death of Henry Allingham (UK), the previous holder in this category. Walter celebrated his 113th birthday at the Rainbow Retirement Community in Great Falls, Montana on Monday September 21st and to help celebrate his longevity Guinness World Records sent a birthday card fashioned from the official certificate confirming his record breaking achievement.
"It's incredible to think that Walter's one of few men able to remember when U.S. president McKinley was shot," said Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday. "And while he signed up to fight in World War I, he was TOO OLD to take part in World War II."
Walter is in good health and attributes his longevity to a good balanced diet that helps to keep his weight low and his mental faculties sharp.
28 September 2009
It is with much sadness that we have learned that Gertrude Baines, the oldest person in the world, passed away in a Los Angeles hospital today at 7:25am PST.
Born on April 6, 1894 Ms Baines became the world's oldest person when Maria de Jesus from Portugal died at the age of 115 in January 2009. Since 1986 the world's oldest person title has been held by a woman for all but 44 days.
She owed her longevity to never drinking or smoking and was reported to be in good health before she died. Baines worked as a maid in Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, and lived at a Los Angeles convalescent hospital for over 10 years. In November 2008 she became the oldest African-American to vote for President Barack Obama and received a letter from him on her 115th birthday.
Guinness World Records sends its condolences to the Baines family.
We are saddened to hear the news that Chanel, a dachshund and Guinness World Record holder for the Oldest Living Dog (aged 21 years) passed away on Friday, August 28th, 2009 from natural causes at her home in Port Jefferson Station, on Long Island.
Known for her fondness of sweets and keen fashion sense, Chanel will always hold a place in record breaking canine history.
We had the pleasure of helping celebrate the dog’s longevity by presenting her owners, Karl & Denice Shaughnessy, with an updated certificate at Chanel’s 21st birthday party held at a dog spa in early May.
We extend our condolences to her owners and wish them all the best.
Ashrita Furman Becomes First Person to Hold 100 Guinness World Records Simultaneously
NEW YORK - April 14, 2009 – Ashrita Furman reached a milestone today by becoming the first person to simultaneously hold 100 Guinness World Records when he and over 100 participants earned the world record for “A Poem / Literary Passage Recited in the Most Languages.” The historic moment was a long time in the making for Furman, who has been breaking Guinness World Records for over 30 years. New York City Councilman James F. Gennaro presided over the event at City Hall Park in New York City and Guinness World Records judge Danny Girton Jr. was on hand to verify the feat.
Furman and over 100 members from the Sri Chinmoy Centre recited "Precious" by Sri Chinmoy in 111 languages including Afrikaans, Dzongkha, Kabyle and Picard. The group beat the current record held by the International Social Service of Hong Kong, which recited “Values on Communal Harmony” in 79 different languages on November 23, 2008.

The proud record-breaker had this to say about his unprecedented accomplishment, “With more than 170 nationalities represented in New York City this record celebrates the diversity of our city. While it wasn't as physically challenging as some of my other records, having this record as my 100th is very special tribute to Sri Chinmoy.”
“What Ashrita did today is an amazing feat for him and Guinness World Records alike,” said Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records. “He has a 30-year relationship with Guinness World Records that is nothing less than stunning, breaking records around the world and proving that you don’t have to be famous to be the world’s best.”
New York City Councilman James F. Gennaro (D-Queens) added, "This is exactly the type of event that should take place in the seat of New York City government. To speak and hear the precious utterances of Sri Chinmoy is truly an inspiration."
Ashrita Furman has been breaking Guinness World Records since 1979, when he completed 27,000 jumping jacks to earn his first Guinness World Record. Since then, the 54-year old health food store manager from Queens, New York has broken records on all seven continents, including completing the fastest mile on a pogo stick in Antarctica and bouncing the fastest mile on a kangaroo ball along the Great Wall of China. Furman has practiced meditation for over 30 years, which helps him keeps his concentration during marathon record attempts. Whether it be performing forward rolls for the entire 12-mile length of Paul Revere’s ride through Massachusetts or racing against a Yak in Mongolia to set the mile sack-racing record, Furman is a determined individual and a true world-class record holder!
Wednesday 15th April 2009
SONY PICTURES ANIMATION’S CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS BREAKS GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® RECORD FOR WORLD’S LARGEST MEATBALL!
CANCÚN, Mexico, August 4, 2009 – With Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Sony Pictures Animation’s mouth-watering 3-D animated event, about to hit theatres worldwide, the world’s largest meatball ever created has also descended. The announcement was made today by Hannah Minghella, president of production for Sony Pictures Animation, Inc., and Carlos Martinez, adjudicator, Guinness World Records.
The meatball, weighing in at 49.5 kg, or 109 lbs., was cooked up by the chefs at The Ritz Carlton in Cancún, Mexico, to promote the upcoming animated film, in which a budding inventor causes food to fall from the sky like rain. The Hotel’s Executive chef Rainer Zinngrebe along with banquet chef Aldo Novoa accomplished the appetizing feat, surpassing a previous record set in 2008 that stood at 32.93 kg, or 72 lbs., 9 oz. The new record was confirmed by Martinez, and after the record was confirmed, the meatball was cut up into normal-sized portions and served to everyone at the record-setting event.
Commenting on the announcement, Hannah Minghella, president of production for Sony Pictures Animation, said, “During the production of this movie we had a lot of fun creating the look, texture and sounds of the giant-sized meatballs (among other foods) that Flint makes rain from the sky... and now we know what they taste like.”
“We apply very strict criteria to our records,” said Guinness World Records’ Carlos Martinez. “In this particular case, not only did the meatball have to beat the standing record, but also be fully cooked and edible, as verified by myself and food and health inspectors present at the event. Guinness World Records takes pride in its high standards, and as a result, not every record attempt is successful!”
Aspiring inventor Flint Lockwood is the socially awkward genius behind some of the most bizarre contraptions ever conceived. But even though all of his inventions, from spray-on shoes to a monkey thought translator, have been spectacular failures that caused trouble in his small town, Flint is determined to create something that will make people happy. When Flint’s latest machine, designed to turn water into food, accidentally destroys the town square and rockets up into the clouds, he thinks his inventing career is over. Until something amazing happens – cheeseburgers start raining from the sky. His machine actually works! The food weather is an instant success, and Flint forges a fast friendship with Sam Sparks, the weathergirl who comes to town to cover what she calls “the greatest weather phenomenon in history.” But when people greedily ask for more and more food, the machine starts behaving erratically, unleashing spaghetti tornadoes and giant meatballs. With the town about to be buried beneath mountains of marshmallows and waves of watermelons, it’s up to Flint and Sam to use their combined expertise to shut down the machine and put everything right.
Columbia Pictures presents a Sony Pictures Animation film, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. The film features the voices of Bill Hader, Anna Faris, James Caan, Andy Samberg, Bruce Campbell, Mr. T, Bobb’e J. Thompson, Benjamin Bratt, Neil Patrick Harris, Al Roker, Lauren Graham, and Will Forte. The film is written for the screen and directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller. Produced by Pam Marsden. Based upon the book written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett.
About Sony Pictures Entertainment:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution; television production and distribution; digital content creation and distribution; worldwide channel investments; home entertainment acquisition and distribution; operation of studio facilities; development of new entertainment products, services and technologies; and distribution of filmed entertainment in more than 130 countries. Sony Pictures Entertainment can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.sonypictures.com
About Sony Pictures Animation:
Sony Pictures Animation exemplifies the next generation of CGI storytelling to produce a variety of animated entertainment for audiences around the world. Sony Pictures Animation is developing a full slate of films including the mouth-watering 3D comedy Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs now in production for a September 2009 release, in pre-production on Hotel Transylvania and in pre-production in association with Columbia Pictures on The Smurfs Movie. In 2007, Surf’s Up, was nominated for an Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature and won two Annie Awards. The company’s first film, Open Season, was a box office success and the #2 DVD title of the year for Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Its sequel, Open Season 2, released in 2009, was an international family hit. Sony Pictures Animation is an operating unit of Sony Pictures Digital Productions.
About Guinness World Records:
Guinness World Records is the universally recognized authority on record-breaking achievement. First published in 1955, the annual Guinness World Records book is published in more than 100 countries and 25 languages and is the highest-selling books under copyright of all time with more than 3 million copies sold annually across the globe. Guinness World Records celebrated its 50th anniversary edition in 2004, a year after the sale of its 100 millionth copy. Guinness World Records also annually publishes the Gamer’s Edition; a records book devoted solely to the world of computer gaming and high score record achievements. The Guinness World Records website (www.guinnessworldrecords.com) receives more than 11 million visitors a year. Guinness World Records is part of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada’s largest privately owned companies which is a conglomerate of interests, including advertising, broadcasting, grocery stores and automotive retailing.
For More Information:
Philip Robertson
Guinness World Records
(718) 513 7268
philip.robertson@guinnessworldrecords.com
Steve Elzer
Senior Vice President, Media Relations
Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group
(310) 244-7142
steve_elzer@spe.sony.com
Do you have what it takes to break a Guinness World Record?
If the answer is yes then we want to hear from YOU!
‘Guinness World Records Smashed’ is returning to Sky 1 in the UK this Spring for an action packed, jaw dropping, side splitting series, and you could be a part of it.
If there’s a record that you think you can break, or a completely new one that you want to set for the very first time, then get in touch with us now. We want to hear from you, whether it’s a big and spectacular, or, small and simple idea, please drop us a line and let us know about it, and you could be making history.
Send us your name and contact details along with a concise description of the record you would like to break and any footage you may have to the following address: smashed@outlineproductions.co.uk
Thursday November 12, 2009 is Guinness World Records Day!!!
Back in 2003, when Guinness World Records sold its 100-millionth copy and became the highest-selling copyright book of all time, we decided to celebrate by making a day of it (so to speak)…
It would be a day that rejoices in the fun and excitement of record-breaking, and we would invite individuals and groups from all around the world to take part. We would call it…
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS DAY
(OK, so it’s not overly creative but the meaning’s pretty clear…)
Now in its fifth year, Guinness World Records Day has grown to become a truly international event. Last year saw more than 300,000 people attempt 50-plus records in 15 different nations! Some of these included:
Fastest Bed (UK)
Largest Image made of LED lights (Ireland)
Most Kisses Given in One Minute (France)
Largest Rubberband Ball (USA)
Largest Loaf of Bread (Brazil)
Most Beer Steins Carried Over 40 Metres (Germany)
Most Adults Reading to Children (United Arab Emirates)
Longest Kebab (South Africa)
If you’re currently planning to break a record, why not join the Guinness World Records Day celebrations and schedule your attempt for Thursday November 12? If your attempt is especially visual or representative of your cultural identity in some way, it can be chosen for filming and added to our international Guinness World Records Day newsreel – which is distributed to broadcast media across the globe.
We also want your photos! Upload the best snaps you have of your record-breaking attempt to our GWR Day group, and we’ll include them in our website promotions – and possibly even next year’s book!
So come on! Join us for Guinness World Records Day 2009 by registering your record attempt via http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/member/.
Guinness World Records was deeply concerned to hear about a car accident involving Lee Redmond, who holds the record for the longest fingernails (female) at a combined length of 8.65 m (28 ft 4.5 in).
Lee, of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, sustained serious but
non-life-threatening injuries in the accident on Tuesday 10 February, when the vehicle she was riding in was involved in a collision. Sadly, her record-breaking nails were damaged beyond repair in the crash.
“As a long-term friend of Guinness World Records, Lee is a fantastic ambassador for the company,” said Editor in Chief Craig Glenday, “appearing on our TV shows around the world and promoting to school children that it’s okay to be different. Losing her nails in such a terrible accident has shocked everyone here at Guinness World Records – they were such a fundamental part of her life and unique character. We all hope that she makes a speedy recovery.”
12 February 2009
The web is buzzing with stories about Khagendra, the Nepalese boy hoping to qualify as the world's shortest man. He's certainly short enough, says GWR Editor in Chief Craig Glenday, but is he old enough to claim the official world record?
Back in 2006, Guinness World Records was contacted by the Dwarf Association of Nepal, asking us to ratify one of their members as the shortest living man. The "man" in question was Khagendra Thapa Magar, and at 20 in (50.8 cm) he would have certainly qualified, beating the current record holder He Pingping at 74.61 cm (2 ft 5.37 in). There was just one problem: Khangendra had not yet turned 18.
To quality for the Guinness World Records title of world's shortest man, claimants must be 18 years or older (assuming the first year of life is considered year 0, and not year 1). This is irrespective of sexual maturity or a society's legal, ritualistic or religious coming of age. We are in possession of Khagendra's birth registration certificate, his certification of Citizenship and his identity card (pictured). On the Nepali calendar, Khagendra was born on Asoj 18, 2049 which equates to 4 October 1992. This makes him 6,220 days old (as of today, 15 October 2009) or 17 years 11 days.
We are once again in touch with Khangendra and his family and have asked for re-confirmation of his birthday, on the off chance that there has been some misunderstanding. We are very excited to learn of this little Nepalese claimant and have been for a few years now. But until we can clear up the discrepancy, the holder of the title of world¹s smallest mobile man remains with He Pingping.
GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ and FLORA LONDON MARATHON 2009
Blistering Times Achieved at the Hottest London Marathon in Years
London- April 27th 2009 – Sun, sweat, tears, and new world records – this year’s Flora London Marathon had it all. On a day of stifling heat there were more Guinness World Records attempts than ever in the marathon’s history; over 60 runners took part in 29 official record attempts, and 10 new Guinness World Records were achieved.
Paul Simons (Manchester, UK) set the pace with a time of 2:55:50 breaking the record for the fastest marathon dressed as Santa Claus. The 45 year postman was ecstatic to break the record and also raise money for the Bliss, a charity dear to his heart after his own child, Alfie, was born 5 weeks early.
Ian Benskin (Loughborough, UK) was the next record-breaking runner. His time of 3:11:50 saw a new record for the fastest marathon in a film character costume (male). Ian’s effort was to raise publicity and money for Scope.
Bringing a smile to every spectator - and runner - he passed, was Robert Prothero (Staines, UK). In full carrot costume, he ran the fastest marathon dressed as a vegetable in a time of 3:34:55. Robert has raised over £2,000 for his chosen charity, Water Aid.
22 year old Darren Stone (Taunton, UK), or Banana Man as he was on the day, set a new world record for the fastest
marathon dressed as a cartoon character (3:36:07). Alistair Martin, a 41 year old technical teacher from the Scottish
Borders dressed up as an ostrich and proceeded to run the fastest marathon in an animal costume (male) in a time of 3:42:27.
Irishman Jack Lyons demonstrated the marathon’s sense of humour as well as spirit by running the fastest marathon dressed as a leprechaun in a time 4:22:08. In a somewhat topical choice of dress, Thomas Day ran the fastest marathon dressed in full suit, complete with bowler hat! The 32-year-old is raising money for Leukemia Research.
One off the most well-received runners this year was Sally Orange (UK). Dressed appropriately as an orange, Sally had the crowd in laughter as she sprinted through the finish line in a time of 4:32:28 breaking the record for the fastest marathon dressed as a fruit.
In one of the most gruelling acts of the day Gordan Chaplin, currently serving for the Royal Engineers, completed the marathon with a 40lb back pack on. Running for ‘Help for Heroes’ Gordon achieved this in an incredible time of 5:35:19 setting a new Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon carrying a 40 lb pack.
The final Guinness World Records record of the day was a truly special one. Neal Gardner and his 29 friends from Wales ‘became one’ as they linked themselves together to set the record for the most runners linked (6:18:41)
The extraordinary events of Sunday marked this year’s Flora London Marathon as not only one of the hottest in its
history, but also one of its most special.
27th April 2009