News & Releases >> 2005 >> Aug 3 2005
NEWS Aug 3 2005
The Joggler: Michal Kapral
Watch out for The Joggler! Whether you're running or spectating on September 25th, watch out for Beaches resident Michal Kapral, aka "The Joggler", going for the Guinness World Record for "Fastest marathon joggling with three objects."
Many of you will remember Michal's successful bid for the Guinness Record for "Fastest Marathon pushing a pram" last Fall. Inspired by Ed Whitlock's marvelous world record of 2:59:10 in 2003, Michal set his sights on going "sub-3" with the baby jogger and daughter Anika in STWM04. The result: a 2:49:44, and the Guinness certificate framed on his wall.
This year, the challenge, for fitness, fun and fame is to go after the Guinness Record that has stood for 5 years:
"Paul-Erik Lillholm (Norway), ran a marathon 42.195 km. (26 miles 385 yd) whilst juggling three objects in 3 hr 20 min 49 sec at Karlsruhe, Germany on 10 August 2000."
Think this is easy? Think again!
According to Michal, who can now be seen along the Don, in Taylor Creek Park, or along the Goodman Trail logging 60 km a week joggling:
"The Guinness folks say that the joggling marathon is one of the most asked-about records in the book. The current record of 3:20 has held up for five years and I can see why. It takes an enormous amount of training to pull off a decent time...
"The training is going really well. I did a 20-mile joggle on Sunday in 2:14, which is a 2:55 marathon pace. The juggling has improved a lot since I started – I now drop a ball about every three or four miles, and those drops are usually the result of me watching the Don trail for bad footing or by a simple lapse in concentration. I stop to rest my arms every few kilometres. (Drops are allowed, but after a drop I have to return to the spot where I dropped the balls and start again.)
"When I drop a ball, it basically rolls just in front of me for a few metres, then I quickly scoop it up, turn around and start back at the spot where I dropped it. The balls are designed not to bounce, and to squish if stepped on. The balls are custom-designed, lightweight "Exerballs", made by Brian Dubé in New York. They weigh about 150 grams each – not too light to get blown away in the wind, but not too heavy to tire the arms (well, it does actually get tiring when you're juggling for three hours straight!).
"One of the biggest challenges is sweat getting in my eyes and not being able to wipe it away. I think a headband will save me a lot of time!"
Michal says, "The Waterfront Marathon will be ideal for this record, with wide roads and flat terrain." But he can still use all the cheering and encouragement he can get. Watch out Guinness—here comes the Toronto Joggler, with another World Record for STWM!
Michal is also a Celebrity Runner this year, going the distance for "Run for Liane/Sick Children's Hospital." You can put a pledge on him by going to the "Put a Pledge on a Celebrity" button on torontowaterfrontmarathon.com homepage menu (top).