A Harlequins super-fan is eyeing up an official Guinness World Record attempt, as James Whistler prepares to run the 2024 London Marathon dressed up as the iconic court jester. Whistler is a devoted Quins fan, and is dressing up as his club’s emblem for the upcoming Marathon, to raise money for three brilliant causes.
Whistler is running the London Marathon for The Harlequins Foundation, Anthony Nolan and Off the Record (Twickenham). Whistler has set up a donations page for the race, which you can donate to through this link. The Quins fan shared his story on the page, and explained his reasons for taking up the challenge;
“Hi everyone, I’m running the London Marathon on 21st April but with a slight twist…
“In honour of my favourite rugby team, I’ll be dressed in a full-length jester (or Harlequin) costume, complete with eye mask, hat, club and the best bit, leather dress shoes .
“I’m aiming to set a new Guinness World record for the fastest marathon dressed as Harlequin (sub 3 hours 51 minutes…yes there is an existing record!) And the leather dress shoes are a key requirement of the outfit for that record…
“‘Why, I hear you ask?‘ I’m raising money for three fantastic charities which are all close to our family and especially in the last year:
“Anthony Nolan – Anthony Nolan makes lifesaving connections between people with blood cancer and blood disorders, and incredible strangers ready to donate their stem cells. The charity is taking amazing steps to grow the stem cell register, carry out groundbreaking research and provide the best post-transplant care.
“The Harlequins Foundation – the charitable arm of Harlequins works with vulnerable children and young people within the local area to positively impact their lives through the power of sport. My dad and I cycled over 200 miles two years ago in aide of this fantastic charity.
“Off the Record (Twickenham) – my dad is a trustee of this charity, which through counselling, improves the emotional and mental well-being of over 1,500 young people a year at a time when they are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety.”