Six Preston Harriers to attempt half marathon world record dressed as a caterpillar

Six members of local running club Preston Harriers are making a Guinness World Record attempt at Freckleton half marathon next week, aiming to complete the distance as a caterpillar.

The group took their costume out for a trial run at parkrun in Avenham and Miller Park on 8th June, with the support of other attendees from the club and community.

The world record attempt is for the ‘fastest half marathon in a six-person connected costume’ with the group hoping to beat a time of 1 hour and 59 minutes.

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What makes the attempt even more unique is that the six participants are from five different age categories, representing runners in their 60s, 50s, 40s, 30s and 20s.

Preston Harriers member Victoria Osten initially thought of the idea and pitched it to the other runners.

She said, “It came about after seeing six guys in costume at Manchester marathon earlier in the year – I was a bit giggly after finishing and thought it would be fun to take on something different. My mum and dad have become very invested in the costume construction and we have quite literally run with the idea.”

“We have chosen Freckleton for two reasons: firstly, we are keen to support a local run and secondly because it’s quite a special event – it’s the UK’s oldest half marathon and it’s also celebrating its 60th year, so it seemed perfect for an attempt at breaking the ‘fastest half marathon in a six-person-connected-costume record.’ Pete Bosely, this year’s Run Director, has been very supportive and we are grateful to have the chance and show what girls dressed up can do.”

Freckleton Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 16th June, starting at Freckleton playing field. You can signup to take part via the BookIt website.

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