Nigerian Man Breaks World Record for Longest Marathon Reading Aloud

In a remarkable feat of endurance and dedication, 27-year-old Samson Ajao from Osogbo has set a new world record for the longest marathon reading aloud, clocking in an astonishing 215 hours – just one hour short of nine full days. This achievement surpasses the previous record of 124 hours, set in 2022 by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan.

Samson's marathon reading session, which required him to read continuously from published works with no more than a 30-second pause between items, saw him devour approximately 100 books. His reading list covered a wide array of topics, including finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness.

The record attempt was not just about setting a new world record; it was also aimed at promoting literacy development and inspiring a reading culture in Nigeria. “Even when it’s tough, you have to get going to meet your target,” Samson shared in an interview with NTA News, reflecting on the physical and mental challenges he faced during the marathon.

Throughout the record attempt, Samson was supported by a steady stream of listeners, including notable figures such as Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole. Their presence underscored the significance of Samson's effort in advocating for literacy and education.

According to the rules governing marathon records, Samson was allowed to accumulate five minutes of rest time for every hour of reading, totaling two hours per day. These breaks were the only opportunities for him to eat, sleep, use the bathroom, or change his clothes. Remarkably, Samson revealed that he did not sleep during any of his breaks, demonstrating his extraordinary determination.

Before embarking on this grueling challenge, Samson consulted medical professionals to select foods and drinks that would help preserve his voice and minimize the need for toilet breaks. His meticulous preparation paid off, allowing him to sustain his record-breaking performance.

Following the successful completion of the “read-a-thon,” Samson and his supporters celebrated with a parade through the streets of Osogbo. Among the jubilant crowd were Samson’s parents, who expressed immense pride in their son’s extraordinary achievement.

The history of the longest marathon reading aloud record is rich, dating back to 1987 when Englishman Adrian Hilton recited the complete works of Shakespeare in a "bard-a-thon" lasting over 110 hours. Since then, the record has been broken several times, most notably by Nepal's Deepak Sharma Bajagain in 2008 and Rysbai Isakov in 2022. However, Samson’s record now stands as one of the longest marathon attempts in Guinness World Records history, rivaled in recent times only by DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon.

Samson Ajao's achievement is a testament to human endurance and a powerful reminder of the importance of literacy and education in our society.