Search
shop

Triathlete Joe Spraggins sets World Record in London…

How do you take the pressure off of trying to run a fast marathon? Joe Spraggins decided to 'dress' as a swimmer... and now owns a Guinness World Record
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Advertisement

Guinness World Record for Joe Spraggins at the 2017 London Marathon

Among the various statistics from Sunday’s London Marathon, there were 40 official Guinness World Records broken (honest, I’m not making it up – CLICK HERE for evidence!)

Now, at least one of those has a strong triathlon connection, with Joe Spraggins (who is aiming to qualify for Kona at IRONMAN Wales this year and also racing the Outlaw Triathlon), gaining the title of Fastest marathon dressed as a swimmer. As above, I’m not making it up, I promise.

I had to ask Joe…. why?!

“I thought it tied into triathlon quite nicely – combining the two disciplines! Was doing some ‘front crawl’ over tower bridge, the crowd were absolutely loving it. I wanted to try and take the pressure off of running a fast marathon, so I’d not focus on times and do more biking over the winter. Turned out the bike miles powered me to a seven minute PB!”

As for finding the record… “Guinness have a database of all the records and I just found it on there.”

Joe was also raising money for Orchid, the male cancer charity – http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/spraggins

Joe was also pretty handy at getting some pictures with the stars too…

Joe Spraggins - London Marathon 2017
With James Cracknell mid-race
Joe Spraggins - London Marathon 2017
With Chrissie Wellington post-race
Joe Spraggins - London Marathon 2017
With the legendary Keninisa Bekele
John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Chelsea Sodaro IRONMAN World Championship 2024 post race
Last chance saloon as final Kona and Nice spots up for grabs
Will Draper Sam Long T100 London 2025 run sprint
‘No feet to swim on and no shoulders to run on’ – the harsh realities of playing catch up in T100
Megan McDonald dislocated shoulder T100 London 2025 swim
Top triathlete called an ‘absolute warrior’ after moving dislocated shoulder back DURING swim
Team Ramsay T100 London 2025
Olympic swimming legend Adam Peaty stars for Team Ramsay on debut triathlon
Billy Monger T100 London 2025
‘I’ve got big goals’ – Billy Monger on LA2028 after first sprint triathlon at T100 London
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...