On Thursday, Toronto-native Ben Pobjoy introduced that he had efficiently concluded the Marathon Earth Problem, a solo journey around the globe that was an try to surpass the Guinness World Document of most marathons in a single 12 months (Pobjoy ran 242 marathons in twelve months) but additionally to broaden the problem by navigating these marathons throughout almost 70 nations.
“This previous 12 months has been mentally and bodily taxing, nevertheless it’s an unimaginable feeling to have achieved this momentous objective of mine and meet unimaginable folks alongside the way in which,” mentioned Pobjoy. “From trekking in Ulaanbaatar’s chilly -20 diploma temperatures with makeshift winter gear to enduring excessive ranges of humidity in Malta, my year-long, earth-spanning journey has been an unforgettable expertise.”
“The aim of Marathon Earth Problem was by no means to race others, however reasonably, remodel my bodily train right into a artistic endeavor and observe our world up-close,” mentioned Pobjoy. He explains on his web site that every marathon was a technique to nurture curiosities and doc findings by means of written essays in newsletters, social media updates and photographic books for others to get pleasure from.
Pobjoy initiated his self-funded problem on Jan. 1, 2023, outfitted with a backpack full of pens and cameras for documentation. Over twelve months, he accomplished 242 freestyle marathons, overlaying a powerful 11,465 kilometers by foot. The various geographical places included South America, the Caribbean, North America, Europe, Africa, the Center East and Asia.
“Was repeatedly examined on earth’s streets but someway lived to inform,” Pobjoy shared on Instagram. “This journey taught me how tenacious we people are, and the way we’re extra alike than we’re dissimilar. Moreover, I noticed that once we select division over commonality, we lose our humanity. ”
Pobjoy’s working journey started in 2015, a transformative interval in his life when he battled extreme well being points whereas being morbidly overweight. Beginning with out of doors walks, he shed 100 kilos in eight months, and located that this type of train not solely improved his well being but additionally allowed him to understand the “beautiful great thing about Mom Earth.”
“Whereas Marathon Earth Problem is now full, my awe for the bodily world and my rising urge for food to discover it additional stay. I’m excited to see what my subsequent journey holds,” mentioned Pobjoy.
American runner Larry Macon presently holds the title of the official Guinness document for many marathons accomplished in a single 12 months (by a person) with 239 marathons accomplished in 2012. Pobjoy submitted his software to Guinness this week with 242 marathons within the books, however is pending verification.
Learn extra about Ben Pobjoy right here.