A 27-year-old from Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria, Samson Ajao, has etched his name in history by completing the world’s longest marathon reading aloud, with a staggering time of 215 hours—just shy of nine full days.
Guinness World Records highlighted his incredible achievement, stating, “27-year-old Samson Ajao from Osogbo, Nigeria, has performed the world’s longest marathon reading aloud, clocking in at 215 hours – just one hour short of nine full days.”
This monumental feat surpasses the previous record of 124 hours, which was set in 2022 by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov.
To break this record, Samson adhered to strict guidelines, requiring him to read continuously from published texts with no more than a 30-second pause between passages.
Samson’s remarkable endurance allowed him to complete around 100 books, delving into diverse topics such as finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness.
His primary goal was to champion literacy and foster a culture of reading in Nigeria.
Throughout his record-breaking attempt, Samson attracted a steady stream of listeners, including notable figures like Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole, who came to support and witness the historic endeavor.
In line with Guinness World Records’ rules for marathon challenges, Samson earned five minutes of rest for every hour of reading, amounting to a total of two hours of rest per day.
These brief intervals were his only opportunities to eat, sleep, use the restroom, or change clothes.
Astonishingly, Samson disclosed to NTA News that he refrained from sleeping during his breaks, stating, “Even when it’s tough, you have to get going to meet your target.”
To prepare for this grueling challenge, Samson sought the expertise of medical professionals who advised him on foods and beverages that would help preserve his voice and reduce the frequency of bathroom breaks.
After successfully completing the “read-a-thon,” Samson and his supporters celebrated with a jubilant parade through the streets of Osogbo in Osun State.
Among the revelers were his proud parents, who expressed their immense joy at their son’s achievement.
The record for the longest marathon reading aloud has a storied past, beginning in 1987 when Englishman Adrian Hilton recited the complete works of Shakespeare in a “bard-a-thon” lasting over 110 hours.
Subsequent record holders, including Nepal’s Deepak Sharma Bajagain in 2008 and Rysbai Isakov in 2022, pushed the boundaries further.
However, Samson’s astonishing accomplishment has redefined the limits of human endurance in this category, making it one of the most extraordinary marathon records in recent Guinness World Records history, second only to DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon.
