How to break a Guinness World Record

November 28, 2023

I am now officially a 2-time Guinness World Record holder.  That seems crazy to write but really exciting at the same time.  At two different times in my life, I have done something that no other human being has ever completed.  That can never be taken away from me.  Throughout the process, one of the most common questions was, “why?” Why this record? Why any record?  The easy answer was, “why not?”  I came across the records while at work and thought that it was attainable, but also ridiculous at the same time.  The picture of David Smith breaking the Half Marathon t-shirt record was very amusing.  There was a lot going on in the world at the time leading up to my first attempt and I saw this as my chance to help people forget about all the shit and find something good to focus on and smile at.  So, how do you break a Guinness World Record?

Research

The Guinness website has a wonderful search function and you can literally type anything you can think of and find a record for it.  For me it was running.  I found hundreds of running records, mostly costumed records of people wearing everything from ski boots, to hockey equipment, to t-shirts.  Do some research and find something that speaks to you personally.  Something you won’t mind explaining the why about, something you will enjoy doing, and something you feel like you can do.  Ok, you have found a record to attempt, now what?

Application

When you come across a record you want to attempt, there is an ‘Apply Now’ button.  You will be prompted to sign into the Guinness site, or create an account if this is your first visit.  Once you are logged in to the site.  You will be asked several questions about your attempt and who may be assisting you, charity, corporation, another organization etc.

Your attempt cannot take place before your application has been approved.  This process can take up to 12 weeks to complete.  If you attempt is going to be within those 12 weeks, there is an option to upgrade your application to priority status and have it approved within 5 business days.  While a standard application is a slow process, it is also free to complete.   The priority application will cost about $850CDN.  Once you complete your application, all you can do is wait to hear from Guinness.

Planning your Attempt

You’ve been approved!!!!! Congratulations, the easy part is over.  Your dashboard on the Guinness page will show your attempt and have it listed as ‘Pending Evidence’.  Time for more research.  Every attempt has its own set of Evidence required to be submitted by the applicant.  All of this evidence will eventually be submitted for approval.  Your dashboard will also talk about specific rules for your event.  For example, both of my records had time limits that had to be met.  The guidelines tab on your page will lead you to the guide to evidence download.  This page will have templates and further details on evidence.

On your dashboard there is also an area to correspond with Guinness staff if you have questions along the way.  They may take a few days to get back to you, but they are full of good and helpful information.

While you are training/preparing for you event, you can start working on your required evidence.  I submitted 42 pieces of evidence for my marathon record.  Most of that was pictures and videos, but there were still 7 different categories of evidence.  For running records, I found it very helpful to touch base with the race director and make sure they are aware of your attempt, ultimately you will need their help along the way. 

Witness statements are a key part of your evidence.  Make sure you have the required witnesses at your event to sign off on the required details Guinness asks for.

If you haven’t noticed, evidence is a big deal to approve a record.  According to Guinness there are over 53,000 records in their database, and they receive 50,000 applications a year.  Evidence is the only way to ensure that records are maintained at a high standard.

Attempt Day

Quadruple check you have everything you need.  Not only for your attempt, but also for you evidence collection.  Have everything ready to go and have anyone supporting you aware of things that you need.  This is the perfect time to cash in some favors with friends and family to help you on your journey.

You have probably been prepping for this for a long time, make sure everything goes to your plan.

Evidence Submission

Much like the application approval, there is a priority evidence approval route, or a 12-week evidence approval route.  The priority evidence approval is up to 5 business days and will cost apx. $700CDN.  You can upload evidence piece by piece.  Once again, quadruple check to make sure you have everything that you need before you press the submit button. 

The 12 week wait feels ridiculously long...because it is.  If you do not opt for priority approval, there are constant fears that someone else will attempt your record and have it approved before you do.  This is what happened on my first attempt, and it was very tough to accept.  But then, one day you will wake up and receive an email with the subject line Guinness World Records-Record Approved.

Adjudicators can be onsite for record attempts, however the cost associated with this is significant and is the responsibility of the applicant.

Is it worth it?   

My kids look at the records, ask questions about them, were present for all 3 attempts, and talk to their friends about them.  The records show them the power of perseverance, determination, and spirit.  So yeah, it is worth it to see the impact it has had on them.

Find your own story and go get that record, there truly is something for everyone.

Coach Dave