Year in World Records - October: The King returns, climbers scale a dangerous slope, Donnie Wahlberg achieves a selfie record

With a year packed full of amazing world record achievements drawing to a close, Guinness World Records is taking a month-by-month look back over the most impressive, exciting and game-changing accomplishments that have happened in 2016.

 

While many awaited the final day of the month to celebrate with jack-o-lanterns and candy, the world saw some brilliantly shocking record titles accomplished during October.

 

Within October’s first week, a brave and daring record was set by American explorers Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin, and Renan Ozturk; as they pursued the most dangerous peak of the Himalayas. 

 

 

After failing to climb the jagged and frigid summit in 2008, they returned and persevered, achieving the First ascent of Shark’s Fin route, Meru Peak. 

 

Scaling a hefty distance of 21,850 ft, It took the trio 12 days of gruelling climbing in temperatures of around -20ºF to finally get there safely. 

 

The trio risked their lives to finish what they had started years ago, with one climber fulfilling the treacherous hike after recovering from a fractured spine and skull nearly a year earlier. 

 

 

 

Their heroism was truly a fantastic record to add in our archives, as well as an inspiration for 2016. 

 

 

Across the pond in England, October featured an upstanding record-breaking pair of pilots, who both came together to achieve the record for Most countries visited by bicycle in 24 hours (team).

 

James van der Hoorn and Thomas Reynolds began in Croatia at 12:18 pm local time, and pedalled through the rolling landscapes of Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland, where they ended their journey; totalling an amazing seven nations in just one day.

 

 

As James had previously accomplished Most countries visited by aircraft in 24 hours, he was particularly excited to tackle a cycling record with his fellow flyer and best friend. 

 

Both genuine fans of the book, they came into our England Headquarters to take part in exclusive interview on Facebook Live. 

 

 

 

Later in the month, it was officially confirmed that record holder Harry Nelson had extended his record for Most Summer Olympic games attended, at the striking age of 94 following his attendance to Rio 2016. 

 

Harry has been to 19 Olympic Games in his lifetime, and plans to continue going to more. 

 

 

 

Starting at the age of ten, his incredible journey of being the Olympics’ biggest fan has brought him much happiness, as well as a bit of fame, following his huge passion for watching the world's nations coming together for the love of sport. 

 

 

Over in China, a stunning new title for Largest anamorphic pavement art triumphed on the streets of Nine Color Rose Town in Yunnan. 

 

 

Measuring a breath-taking 2,807.39 m² (30,218.49 ft²), the colourful 3D artwork was produced by artist Yang Yongchun. 

 

Because of it’s magnitude, the art piece also achieved Longest anamorphic pavement art, at a length of 391.93 m (1,285 ft 10 in). 

 

 

Named the “Lake of Love”, Yang took inspiration for his design from Lijiang’s beautiful Lugu Lake. 

 

 

The late Elvis Presley also re-affirmed his iconic title as The King of Rock and Roll by achieving another record title, this time for Most UK No. 1 albums by a solo artist. 

 

 

Featuring the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra alongside Elvis’ voice, the album saw string-laden reworkings of some of the music legend's most recognisable songs. It proved a huge hit, selling 63,500 copies after its first week in the UK, sending it to the top of the charts. 

 

Called “The Wonder of You”, it beat off competition from new releases such as Michael Bublé (Nobody But Me), Lady Gaga (Joanne), Leonard Cohen (You Want it Darker), along with the previous week's No.1, Walls by Kings of Leon, to claim the top spot. 

 

You can listen to the lead single, The WOnder of You,  below. 

 

 

 

You can read more about Elvis’ many record titles here. 

 

Staying with the pop theme, the month of October came to a close with New Kids on the Block singer Donnie Wahlberg obtaining his title for Most self-portrait photographs (selfies) taken in three minutes. 

 

While on board a NKONTB-themed cruise in Cozumel, Mexico, Wahlberg lined up with fans to achieve an impressive 122 selfies with guests. 

 

 

 

The singer isn't the first celebrity to hold the record, with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson previously holding the title for a successful attempt on the red carpet at the London premiere of his movie San Andreas back in May 2015.