Adam McKenna, who caught the eye of crowds at the Great North Run earlier this month by running in a three-piece suit, is now attempting to break the world record for the fastest marathon in a suit at the 2027 London Marathon. The 30-year-old from South Shields is taking on the challenge to raise funds for Spinal Research, a cause inspired by a close friend's spinal injury.
Record attempt details
The current world record stands at two hours, 38 minutes and 21 seconds, meaning Adam will need to run the full 26.2 miles at just over six-minute-mile pace. He is no stranger to running, having run for South Shields Harriers and completed marathons from Chicago to Bangkok.
His personal bests without the suit are 5K in 16:46, half marathon in 1:19:41 and marathon in 2:44:45. In the suit, he has completed a 5K in 18:57 and a half marathon in 1:31:25.
Cause close to home
The world record attempt is in aid of Spinal Research after a close friend was directly impacted by a spinal injury. Speaking to ChronicleLive, Adam said: "One of my best friends, Lily, when she was younger aged around 10, woke up one day and couldn't walk. Her mam thought she was joking at first but she couldn't walk at all. She ended up in a wheelchair and was in that for years."
He added: "She had tumours in the spine between plates. It just happened that they went in such a way that she can now walk - but she could lose the ability to walk at any moment. So she lives in constant fear of doing anything that would have any strain on the back and she has to be super conscious."
"That to me was a no brainer as a cause to raise funds for because I have seen the struggle and challenge."
Inspiration and training
The plan has been in the works for over a year, inspired by watching others before him. Adam said: "During the London Marathon a couple years ago I saw the record set at the time by a guy from Singapore. That is now slower than the current record which has been set again."
He explained the physiological benefits of training in heat, having lived in Cambodia and run a half-marathon in Singapore. "The heat and the humidity is insane. I was standing at the start line at four in the morning, pitch black, in a pool of sweat and I hadn't even started the run."
Adam is allowed to wear trainers, adhering to official Guinness World Record guidelines. He aims to follow a set routine and will train abroad for heat adaptation. He said: "I'm really into the science of running and have a lot of theories to put into practice. Looking at the pace I feel quietly optimistic about the time. The real challenge is just how can I stop myself from overheating, and techniques to stay cool."
Having recovered from an injury over the last year, Adam praised the crowds at the Great North Run: "When I was running in the suit people were applauding and cheering and I was struggling so hard. People were carrying me through. It was the best GNR I've done just because of the response."
Adam also highlighted the mental health benefits of running: "I fell in love with the sport through the community and the competitiveness. My whole social network now is running and I think that's really cool." More information and donations are available through Adam's fundraiser for Spinal Research.
