A firefighter and SAS Who Dares Wins star broke a Guinness World Record by completing the 2023 London Marathon in a full breathing apparatus and mask, to raise funds for us.
Mark Peart, 35, was aiming to complete the run in under seven hours, but shocked supporters on the day by getting a staggering time of 4:42:05 – a new world record. It also broke the current record for a Half Marathon while wearing the breathing set.
Mark, who works at Dearne Fire Station, was supported by a crew of friends and colleagues who were ready every two miles along the course to switch BA air tanks and keep him fed and hydrated. To claim the record, he was only allowed to remove his mask for air tank changeovers and to drink.
“The London Marathon is electric and like no other race,” Mark told us after crossing the finish line. “The support from the crowd and other runners throughout was just incredible. It was so humbling to feel the love for the emergency services and especially for The Fire Fighter’s Charity.
“The logistics for the day were planned within an inch of their life and as far as we were concerned, as a team, could not have gone any better for us to achieve this goal.
“As a team, we are all so incredibly proud of what we have achieved and the funds we have raised so far.”
The challenge had never been completed before, but someone had previously held the record for completing a Half Marathon wearing breathing apparatus.
“I’ve known about the Charity throughout my career and I was part of a team that cycled the length of the UK in aid of it too,” says Mark.
“We stayed in Penrith during that challenge and I had the opportunity to see the Charity’s centre, Jubilee House, first-hand there and the support it offers.
“It’s a cause very close to my heart, I know a lot of people that have used the services and it’s such a valuable thing for us to have if we ever need it – for physical or mental health.”
Mark is no stranger to a physical challenge after appearing on – and going on to win – Channel 4’s SAS Who Dares Wins in 2019.
To support Mark’s fundraiser, click here.
You can see all of our 2023 marathon highlights here:
