27-year-old Samson Ajao from Osogbo, Nigeria, has secured the world’s longest marathon reading aloud, clocking in at 215 hours, which is just one hour short of nine full days.
According to a Guinness World Records report, the previous record of 124 hours was held by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan, set in 2022. To qualify for the record, participants must read continuously from published works, with no more than a 30-second pause between passages.
Ajao’s marathon covered around 100 books on topics including finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness. He undertook this challenge to promote literacy and inspire a reading culture in Nigeria.
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During his attempt, Ajao drew considerable attention, including from Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole.
According to the rules, Ajao was permitted five minutes of rest after each hour of reading, totaling two hours per day. These breaks were his only opportunity to eat, sleep, use the bathroom, or change clothes.
In an interview with NTA News, Ajao revealed that he did not sleep during his breaks. “Even when it’s tough, you have to keep going to meet your target,” he said.
Before starting, Ajao consulted medical professionals to find the best foods and drinks to maintain his voice and minimize bathroom breaks.
Following the successful attempt, Ajao and his supporters celebrated with a street parade. His parents, among the revelers, expressed their pride in his achievement.
The record for the longest marathon reading aloud has evolved significantly. It began in 1987 when Adrian Hilton of England set a 110-hour and 46-minute record by reciting Shakespeare’s complete works.
In 2008, Deepak Sharma Bajagain of Nepal set a new record with 113 hours and 15 minutes, surpassing Rysbai Isakov’s previous mark by nearly 11 hours.
Ajao’s new record not only surpasses these milestones but also ranks among the longest marathon records in Guinness World Records history, with DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon recently being the only longer record.
