Runners set a world record of 10 kilometers in juggling ball
"This is fantastic," Bergeron said to Salt Wire with heavy breath after completing the challenge in front of about 60 members of the running community on July 10 in Prince Edward Island, Canada.
The runner ran 10 kilometers in 34 minutes and 47 seconds, about 25 laps of Prince Edward Island University track and field, while juggling three balls. This means that Bergeron runs at a speed of 3 minutes and 29 seconds per kilometer.
In 2018, Bergeron took the same challenge with a time of 35 minutes and 36 seconds, surpassing the record of 36 minutes and 27 seconds held by Michal Kapral in Toronto. However, this achievement was not accepted by Guinness World Records because the runway did not meet the standards.
Runner Canada now hopes that the July 10 result will be recognized as "the fastest time to launch three objects and run 10 kilometers."
"I'm 1min 40sec faster than the old record, so it feels great. Now I hope Guinness endorses the result because I'm running on a certified track. I'm tired, my leg hurts, but super happy. Happy," Bergeron said.
In order to gain recognition, Bergeron needs to submit video evidence and promises from two witnesses. Bergeron has two walkers on the track, Dan Maguire and Jack Roberts. His friend Amber Macleod filmed in the middle of the field, and his wife Jennie Orr read the completion time every 400 meters.
"Michael cheered me up or helped me practice in a lot of running races," Maguire said. "I think I supported him to a certain extent today, even though I wasn't at my best."
Maguire maintained a pace of 3 minutes and 43 seconds per kilometer in the first three kilometers. Roberts then accelerates Bergeron for the next two kilometres before splitting as planned so you can finish the road yourself. "He wanted to run fast in the first half, OK," Roberts explained.
"I was also with Michael at the last attempt, but the road was not up to standard, so he was very unhappy," Orr's wife said. "Now he's 100 percent successful. I firmly believe that."
There are about 15 running groups in the stands, all of whom support Bergeron's efforts. "But we didn't run with him," audience member Hannah Landry said. "Not everyone is fast enough to run with Michael," another, Sandra Cotto, explained.
Bergeron holds the world record for running the half marathon (21.1 km) and juggling ball at the 2018 Toronto Beach Half Marathon in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 9 seconds (3 minutes and 39 seconds per kilometer).
According to Bergeron, setting record-breaking goals gives him more motivation to practice during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Bergeron started running at the age of 13 and learned to juggle in high school. He combined the two hobbies when he was challenged by a college friend. His first run and juggling took place in 2014, with a distance of 5km.
