World record ready to be set by Paeroa runner

Paeroa runner Caleb Koia-Hamling will attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records as the ‘fastest half marathon runner in an animal costume’ after his application was accepted by the world record giants. Caleb is currently in training to complete the record when he takes on the Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon in May.

A keen runner Caleb decided to enter the record books the only way he knew how “I could never set a world record running in normal clothes - all the normal running world records are far too quick for me.” Caleb joins a competitive field up against Hamilton City Hawks’ speedster Aaron Pulford who is returning to the Huntly Half Marathon to make it a possible three wins in a row.

The 32nd Solid Energy Huntly Half Marathon is a 21.5k running event taking place in Huntly on Sunday 20th May. The event has a prize pool of $15,000 and decorated titles for the winners of the four event taking place on the day including the 2XU 10k, 10k Relay (5kx5k) and Kids 2k events. All events are open to walkers as well as runners.

“This year’s record attempt will be my third Huntly Half, I had a terrible run in 2010 running 2 hours 10min then I ran 1 hour 31min last year” he explains. Caleb runs with the Hamilton City Hawks running club and the noted enthusiast has the club’s logo tattooed on his arm. Caleb adds he is no stranger when it comes to entertaining himself while he runs “I have raced with my son on quite a few occasions pushing him in the stroller, including winning two races with him.”

We wish Caleb, Aaron and all entrants the best of luck in the upcoming event. Entries are currently open so go ahead and register!