Being in the Guinness Book of Records is one of those things I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. You know, from the era of “I want to be a fireman”.
That book has always fascinated me. Can you imagine what it’s like to do something that NOBODY in the history of this planet has ever done before?
The desire is so big that it’s the top item on my To Do List. Ahead of breaking 4 hours in a marathon, climbing Kilimanjaro and making a decent Beef Wellington is set a Guinness World Record.
I burst with excitement last week when Martin Parnell invited me to join his team in Netball Quest 61 – a quest to set the Guinness World Record for longest game of netball at 61 straight hours.
Martin is famous for running 250 marathons in 2010 as part of his Marathon Quest 250. His goal was to raise $250 000 for Right to Play, he raised more than $300 000. He has spun that effort into “Quest for Kids” that will see him taking on incredible challenges to raise the plight of kids to have the right to play around the world. Netball Quest 61 is next quest for Martin.
We will start at 530p on September 16 and not stop until 630a on September 19. 24 people will be on each team, 7 from each on court at a time. The other 5 will remain courtside, trying to catch some sleep. Julie Arnold, the event organizer from Netball Alberta, estimates we will each play 35 of the 61 hours. Sounds tough, but that’s why it’s never been done before.
And I’m about to do it. I’m about to be part of a Guinness. World. Record.
You can support our goal of raising $25 000 for Right to Play by sponsoring me in Netball Quest 61. Thanks.
Dad. Broadcaster. Writer.
Three time Guinness World Record Holder.
I run the world for Team Diabetes.
Hey Buzz – just read this and I can tell you from experience that climbing Kilimanjaro is WAAAYYYY less demanding than 61 hours of netball! Unlike Lawrence, with 50+ climbs under his belt, I’m a mere human being and really, for anyone vaguely fit and living in Calgary (ie at altitude) Kilimanjaro isn’t much harder than a 4 day hike in the Rockies, but with a bit of a headache on the last day. Dont even have to carry your own gear! Hardest part is waking up in the middle of the night so you can be at the peak for sunrise, but again 61 hours of netball and the resulting lack of sleep is WAAAYYY more demanding!
Was great meeting you this weekend – and good luck with your new job.
Caroline #8. Fellow GWRH (unofficial!)