Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially confirmed Samson Ajao’s remarkable achievement of reading aloud for 215 hours, marking it as one of the longest marathon reading attempts in the organization’s history.
The announcement, published on GWR’s website on Wednesday, highlights Ajao’s accomplishment of reading over 100 books covering a diverse range of subjects including finance, leadership, politics, and mental wellness.
Earlier this year, PUNCH reported that Ajao’s supporters celebrated in Osogbo as he surpassed the 215-hour mark, setting a new world record.
Prior to Ajao’s achievement, the record was held by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan, who set the mark at 124 hours in 2022. Ajao’s feat extended this record by nearly nine full days.
GWR detailed the record-breaking effort: “Samson Ajao, 27, from Osogbo, Nigeria, has achieved the world’s longest marathon reading aloud, lasting 215 hours—just one hour shy of nine full days. To secure this record, the participant must read continuously from published works, with pauses not exceeding 30 seconds between readings.”
The rules stipulated that Ajao could take five-minute breaks every hour, totaling two hours per day for eating, sleeping, using the bathroom, or changing clothes. Notably, Ajao did not sleep during these breaks, having sought medical advice on how to maintain vocal health and minimize bathroom breaks.
In an interview with NTA News, Ajao shared his determination, stating, “Even when it’s tough, you have to keep going to meet your target.”
Ajao’s attempt aimed to foster literacy and inspire a reading culture in Nigeria. Following the successful attempt, he and his supporters paraded through the streets of Osogbo, with his parents expressing their pride in his achievement.
The event was attended by notable figures, including Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole.
GWR also provided context on the history of long reading marathons, noting that the record dates back to 1987 when Englishman Adrian Hilton read the complete works of Shakespeare in 110 hours and 46 minutes. This record was surpassed by Nepal’s Deepak Sharma Bajagain in 2008 with a 113-hour reading marathon, and subsequently by Isakov’s 124-hour attempt.
“Samson Ajao’s achievement not only surpasses these previous records but also stands as one of the longest marathon attempts in Guinness World Records history, exceeded only recently by DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon,” GWR concluded.
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