Guinness World Records (GWR) has officially recognised a Nigerian man for completing “the world’s longest read-aloud marathon”.
Samson Ajao, 27, broke the feat by clocking 215 hours, reading continuously for almost nine full days. The world records body confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The Ibadan-born man, who read aloud for eight days and twenty-three hours, broke the previous record of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan's Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
Her achievement adds to the growing list of Nigerians who have been frequently setting records over the past year, following in the footsteps of Hilda Baci, whose record-breaking cooking marathon sparked a wave of similar feats.
Journey
The former student union president's GWR journey began on May 6, determined to set a world record and revive Nigeria's declining reading culture.
Mr. Ajao began his marathon reading session at the conference hall of the Adolak Hotel in Osogbo, Osun State. His attempt received wide attention and garnered support from prominent personalities such as Ngozi Adeleke, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, and Dipo Eluwole, Commissioner for Education in Osun State.
The Osogbo-born man said the reading marathon he attempted was not a personal challenge but a cultural statement aimed at promoting literacy and inspiring a new generation of readers. “I wanted to show that reading remains a powerful tool for personal and social growth.
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“We have seen people, especially students, bringing books to the programme venue and they were happy to celebrate with us. I think I have inspired people and it will be of great help. I read about 100 books in ten days for 215 hours,” Ajao told Punch after the event.
Ajao Samson
His selection of more than 100 books covering a range of topics from leadership, politics, finance and sales to health and mental well-being reflected his belief in the transformative power of knowledge.
Rigorous challenge
The record-keeping body stated: “To achieve this record, the challenger must continuously read published works aloud, with no more than 30 seconds of pause between reading items.”
The marathon tested his physical and mental endurance. It was governed by strict GWR rules, which allowed Ajao only five minutes of rest for every hour of reading. These breaks, which totalled two hours a day, were the only opportunities he had to eat, sleep, go to the toilet or change clothes. Even when the hall was empty, Ajao continued to read at night.
Despite the physical and mental strain, the former student union leader’s determination never wavered. “Even when it’s difficult, you have to keep going to achieve the goal. It was a dream that came true, impacting lives with my talent and perseverance. The phrase “Readers are leaders” has always inspired me. I feel satisfied that I am inspiring the youth and I hope to see a drastic advancement in the development of our literacy. I am not doing this for money; I want to put Nigeria on the map,” he shared with NTA News, capturing the spirit that drove him to overcome the challenge.
In preparation for the attempt, the digital creator revealed that he consulted with medical professionals to ensure his body could withstand the intense demands of the marathon.
The 27-year-old said he received advice on what foods and drinks would help preserve his voice and minimise the number of bathroom visits, allowing him to maintain his reading pace.
Support
The May 2024 attempt was more than an individual effort; it became a community event that many could relate to. The marathon was streamed live and attracted viewers from around the world who were eager to support Ajao’s cause.
In Osogbo, locals flocked to the scene to witness the historic moment, including key political figures and educators who acknowledged the significance of the former student leader's efforts.
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After completing the marathon on May 15, Ajao and his supporters celebrated with a parade through the streets of Osogbo to mark the end of his “extraordinary” journey.
His father said excitedly: “This is the happiest day of my life to see my son in the Guinness Book of Records. My surname is known all over the world.”
The record for the longest marathon
In its announcement, GWR detailed the thoroughness of the challenge and highlighted the significance of Mr Ajao's achievement in the context of previous records.
“This album has a rich history dating back to 1987, when Englishman Adrian Hilton recited the complete works of Shakespeare in a 'bard marathon' that lasted 110 hours and 46 minutes,” the statement reads.
Ajao's 215-hour marathon now stands as one of the longest marathon record attempts in GWR history, surpassed only by DJ Faber Moreira's 10-day marathon.
GWR praised Ajao for his dedication and the cultural impact of his achievement, noting that his record-breaking feat has inspired his community and set a new benchmark for what can be achieved through determination and perseverance.
Tunde Onakoya, who holds the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon chess match, congratulated Ajao on his feat.