A new world record time for running the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon in wellington boots has been set by Peter Butler-Jones, who completed the epic dash wearing Leon Boots’ lightweight unisex Explorer boots in aid of mental health charity, Mind.
He ran the Marathon in 2hrs 56mins and 38secs, smashing Damian Thacker’s previous world record for the fastest marathon wearing wellington boots that was set during the 2017 Virgin Money London Marathon with a time of 3hrs 21mins.
Peter got the idea for his world record-breaking attempt in May of this year and contacted Leon Boots to see if they had wellies that were up to the task. The answer was a resounding ‘Yes!’ and together they’ve made history!
Leon Boots’ UK Director, Kevin Burgess, said: “Massive congratulations to Peter on his epic, world record-breaking Marathon run! We couldn’t be more delighted to hear he’s achieved his goal wearing a pair of our trusty Explorers.”
Having grown up on a farm and therefore more of an expert than most when it comes to wearing wellies in the field, Peter said of his winning footwear: “They were great, just as light as running shoes”. Manufactured from award-winning, injection moulded EVA/TRC polymer, a pair of Leon Boots Co. boots can weigh as little as 219g – the same weight as an adult hamster!
65% lighter than traditional wellies, the unisex Explorer is not just fast it’s made to last. Complete with removable and washable boot liners, the 100 per cent waterproof boots can also withstand temperatures as low as minus 30°C, making them perfect for outdoor work, whatever the weather. Available to buy from a wide range of garden centres and other retailers, the Unisex Explorer boots are available in UK sizes 3 – 14-, and two colour options – black or green – all supported with an RRP of just £49.95.
The new world record was one of 30 successful world record attempts adjudicated at the 2021 Virgin Money London Marathon, which took place on October 3rd.
With a running time of 2:51:45, Julian Rendall set a new record for the fastest marathon dressed in pyjamas (male), while Charlie Osmond broke the record for the fastest marathon dressed as an astronomical body with a time of 3:30:36. Sarah Dudgeon and Max Livingstone-Learmonth set a new record for fastest marathon in a two-person costume (3:17:12) and Liv Andersson – dressed as Henry VIII – set the record for fastest marathon dressed as a monarch (female) with a time of 3:39:50.
Find out more
To find out more about the Leon Boot Co. please visit www.lbcboots.com or email kevin@leonbootsco.com or charlie@leonbootsco.com