Friday, 20th January 2012
LONDON is now home to the prestigious world hugging marathon record, after eight couples helped complete a 24 hour, 44 minute stint at St Pancreas station on Friday morning, beating the previous mark by ten minutes.
Though the feat might not seem right up there with breaking the world 100m record, it did represent a considerable physical challenge, especially in the arms department. Indeed, one couple was disqualified after breaking the strict rules on keeping arms in a recognised hugging position.
"While hugging for 24 hours may seem more accessible than cycling or singing for an entire day, every single marathon record takes incredible mental and physical strength, and commitment," said Louise Toms of Guinness World Records, which monitored the event.
Some participants put their staying power down to careful preparation.
"We got in some practice of long hugs before we left," said Bryan Tulett, husband of The Choir star Lorna. "I had to peel [Lorna] off me to get out the door."
The successful cuddle-a-thon was just the first in up to 20 world records that could come London's way over the next few months - all part of building the hype in the run-up to this summer's London Olympics.
Upcoming record attempts include the biggest easter egg hunt, the most expensive chocolate egg and the longest photograph.
"World Record London is a great way for us to warmly welcome visitors and celebrate all that is new and exciting about the capital in this very special year," said Gordon Innes of London & Partners, one of the groups organising the record attempts.
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