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A nine-year-old cricket fan from Leeds has bowled his way into the record books after running more than two miles before delivering the first ball of a match.

No ball has been delivered from as long a run-up as the one by Maurice Griffin (UK) who now holds the record for the Longest bowling run-up (male)

Playing for Adel Cricket Club under 11s against Leeds Modernians on 1 June, Maurice ran 3.767 km (2.341 miles), an in-crease of 0.851 km (0.53 miles) on the previous record.

Maurice was not stumped by having to run along some of the Yorkshire city's streets, with his route involving minimal road crossings.

With the rest of his team waiting in their fielding positions on the pitch, Maurice pitched his starting point at a nearby police station before taking 26 minutes and 55 seconds to complete his epic run-up and bowling at the opposition's opening batsman.

Maurice during run up 2

The run up was verified by two independent witnesses, Gareth Newby and Paul Storey, while Maurice’s dad Simon was there to cheer him on.

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The distance was measured using a surveyor’s wheel by Christopher Andrews of Manning Stainton Surveyors.

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In preparation for the run up, Maurice trained for a couple of weeks to ensure a speedy completion of the distance.

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Maurice and his dad organised the record attempt in partnership with the charity the UK charity Chance To Shine, which helps spread the power of cricket to schools and disadvantaged communities.

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"I love cricket and have played for most of my life, but lots of people don’t get the chance play because of where they live," Maurice told the Yorkshire Post

"This world record has raised money for Chance to Shine, a charity that helps take the game to schools, clubs and people who otherwise wouldn’t get the chance. 

"I hope it helps other children play cricket and enjoy the game as much as I do."

From left to right: Gareth Newby, Maurice Griffin (record-holder) Paul Storey, and Surveyor Christopher Andrews

Unfortunately for Maurice he ended up on the losing side, but his record attempt has helped raise more than £1,300 for Chance To Shine, which has been doubled by the charity's patron to £2,600.

Maurice with dad Simon

Dad Simon added: "Maurice loves cricket and wanted to raise money for the UK charity Chance to Shine.

"He wanted to attempt something a little special and the chance to get a Guinness World Records title was perfect."