Samson Ajao, a 27-year-old from Osogbo, Nigeria, has shattered the world record for the longest marathon reading aloud, clocking in an astounding 215 hours—just shy of nine full days.
News About Nigeria reports that Ajao’s achievement surpasses the previous record of 124 hours, set in 2022 by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov.
To set the record, Ajao had to read continuously from published works with no more than a 30-second pause between items.
Over the course of his marathon, he read approximately 100 books, covering a wide range of topics including finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness.
Ajao undertook this Herculean task to promote literacy and inspire a reading culture in Nigeria.
Throughout the record attempt, Ajao attracted many supporters, including notable figures like Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole, who came to listen and cheer him on.
According to the rules for marathon records, Ajao earned five minutes of rest time for every hour of reading, amounting to two hours per day.
During these breaks, he could eat, sleep, use the bathroom, or change clothes.
However, in an interview with NTA News, Ajao revealed that he didn’t sleep at all during his breaks.
“Even when it’s tough, you have to get going to meet your target,” he said.
Before embarking on this record-breaking journey, Ajao consulted with medical professionals to determine the best foods and drinks to preserve his voice and minimize bathroom breaks.
Upon completing the marathon, Ajao and his supporters celebrated with a parade through the streets of Osogbo.
Among the celebrants were his proud parents, who expressed their immense pride in their son’s remarkable achievement.
The record for the longest marathon reading aloud has a storied history, dating back to 1987 when Englishman Adrian Hilton recited the complete works of Shakespeare over 110 hours and 46 minutes.
Nepal’s Deepak Sharma Bajagain broke that record in 2008 with 113 hours and 15 minutes, which Rysbai Isakov then extended by nearly 11 hours.
Samson Ajao’s 215-hour feat not only sets a new benchmark for marathon reading but also stands as one of the longest marathon record attempts in Guinness World Records history, surpassed only by DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon.
