A total of 13 determined runners aimed to set Guinness World Records titles at the 2017 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon on Sunday 22 October, each hoping to make history. 

Through an ongoing partnership which is now in its seventh consecutive year, marathoners had the opportunity to set Guinness World Records titles during the race. 

Nearly 25,000 runners braced the warmer temperatures, with a total of four finishing the race as official Guinness World Records title holders. 

The following are the impressive new record holders and times they achieved: 

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon after 5

Fastest half marathon dressed as a clown

At an incredible 1 hr 30 mins 32.4 secs, PhD candidate Petro Czupiel set the first record at the race and for this title, bringing smiles to all runners he passed with his clown costume. Petro wanted to achieve the title to inspire others to be fit, and to motivate himself to accomplish more records next year. 

Upon earning a new title, he commented:

"I watched and loved the Guinness World Records books when I was growing up, and their museums in Niagara Falls are fascinating. It’s amazing and I’m truly happy that I would be able to hold a Guinness World Records title myself."

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon after 4

Fastest half marathon dressed as a chef (male)

Toronto chef and former Guinness World Records title holder for the Fastest marathon dressed as a chef (male), Daniel Janetos cooked (and ran) his way into the record books by nabbing the half marathon version at a whopping 1 hr 34 mins 53.5 secs. His attempt benefited the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation, as well as served as inspiration for chefs to be healthier. After training for five days a week in a variety of disciplines, Daniel was thrilled to add another title to his growing collection of marathon records. 

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon after 3

Fastest half marathon dressed as a cowboy

Robert Winckler from Guelph, Ontario, lassoed in another Guinness World Records title at a time of 1 hr 51 mins 56.5 secs. The 56-year-old also holds the Guinness World Records title for the Fastest half marathon dressed as a swimmer (male), set during last year’s half marathon. 

Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon after 2

Fastest half marathon dressed as an awareness ribbon

In an attempt to set her Guinness World Records title, Shelby Jones of Mentor, Ohio ran through the finish line at 2 hrs 11 mins 10.6 secs. 

The US resident ran in honor of the company she works for, Emerald Rose, a non-profit that aims to reduce the stigmas surrounding mental illness. 

The 25-year-old has completed an outstanding 17 half marathons and was motivated to break a record to bring awareness to the mental health issues that she and her family have suffered from in the past. Now a new Guinness World Records title holder, said:  

"Lots of people use running as a way to cope with depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses and I think the running community will be accepting to the cause."