Michael Beynon, a 29-year-old marathon runner from Chirk with Down Syndrome, has secured a Guinness World Records title after completing an extraordinary challenge.
Beynon, who serves as a ‘Myth Buster’ for the learning disability charity Mencap, set the record for the furthest distance covered on foot in one week (II2 IS1), having walked and run an impressive 100.17 kilometers (62.86 miles) across Wales. His record-breaking feat took place in Llangollen, marking a significant milestone in both his personal journey and for people with learning disabilities.
This achievement was part of the Guinness World Records’ Impairments Initiative, a collaborative effort developed with Mencap. The initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for people with learning disabilities, providing reasonable adjustments to help them attempt world records.
Beynon’s week-long challenge kicked off with the Cardiff Half Marathon, and his route took him through several towns and cities across Wales, including Stackpole, Aberystwyth, and Llangollen. Each day, he covered between 5-10 kilometers, overcoming cold weather and a tight hamstring along the way. Throughout his journey, Beynon was supported by friends, local Mencap group members, and many fans who cheered him on.
Known for his role in Mencap’s Myth Busters, Beynon is part of a group of individuals with learning disabilities who challenge societal stereotypes and misconceptions about living with a learning disability. The group also includes notable figures such as Harvey Price and CBeebies presenter George Webster.
Beynon’s achievements extend beyond this world record. He has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and made history in 2020 as the first person with Down Syndrome from Wales to complete the London Marathon. He went on to participate in the 2021 in-person event as well.
“I’m so happy about achieving this Guinness World Records title,” said Beynon. “I hope this 100km challenge encourages others to get out and stay active. We passed through some fantastic places in Wales, but the hardest part was Stackpole – it was so hilly and windy, but I still had so much fun. I’m already thinking about my next challenge, which will hopefully be stacking the tallest pile of Welsh cakes.”
Jon Sparkes OBE, Chief Executive of Mencap, expressed pride in Beynon’s accomplishment. “We are so proud of Michael for achieving this incredible Guinness World Records title,” Sparkes said. “Not only is this a personal achievement, but it also serves as a message to others to stay active while challenging myths about living with a learning disability. It’s fantastic to see more people with learning disabilities attempting world records through this inclusive initiative, and we look forward to more records being broken in the future.”
