In an extraordinary display of endurance and dedication, 27-year-old Samson Ajao from Osogbo, Nigeria, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for completing the world’s longest marathon reading aloud. Ajao clocked in an astonishing 215 hours, falling just one hour short of nine whole days, breaking the previous record of 124 hours set in 2022 by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan.
An Unprecedented Achievement
The marathon, which required Ajao to read continuously from published works with no more than a 30-second pause between readings, involved over 100 books spanning various subjects such as finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness. This feat not only shattered the previous record but also established itself as one of the longest marathon record attempts in Guinness World Records history.
Witnesses and Celebration
Ajao received support and encouragement from various dignitaries and the public throughout the record attempt. Notable figures such as Osun State House of Assembly Speaker and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole were among those who came to witness the historic moment.
After successfully completing the “read-a-thon,” Ajao, along with his supporters, took to the streets in celebration. His parents, filled with pride, joined the procession, acknowledging their son’s monumental effort.
Speaking on His Challenges
The rules for the record allowed Ajao to accumulate five minutes of rest time for every hour of reading, totaling two hours per day. These breaks were the only time he could eat, sleep, use the bathroom, or change clothes. Despite these challenges, Ajao revealed in an interview with NTA News that he didn’t sleep during his breaks, showcasing his unwavering determination to reach his goal.
“Even when it’s tough, you have to keep going to meet your target,” he remarked, reflecting on the physical and mental challenges of the marathon.
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Inspiration and Impact
Ajao’s record attempt was more than just a personal achievement; it was a mission to promote literacy and inspire a reading culture in Nigeria. By pushing the boundaries of human endurance, he aimed to demonstrate the power of knowledge and the importance of continuous learning.
Guinness World Records described Ajao’s achievement as not only the longest marathon reading aloud but also one of the most remarkable marathon record attempts in recent history, rivaled only by DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon.
Samson Ajao’s accomplishment adds a new chapter to the rich history of marathon reading records, which dates back to 1987 when Englishman Adrian Hilton recited the complete works of Shakespeare in a “bard-a-thon” lasting 110 hours and 46 minutes. Ajao’s record is a significant leap forward, placing him among previous record holders like Nepal’s Deepak Sharma Bajagain and Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov.
This remarkable achievement by a young Nigerian not only places him in the annals of history but also inspires millions, highlighting the limitless potential of human determination and the power of the written word.