BBC radio station sets half-marathon world record

A BBC radio producer has officially become a Guinness World Record holder after running a half marathon while presenting a live radio show.

Tim Boswell, BBC Hereford & Worcester's executive producer, completed the Worcester City Half Marathon course in a little over two hours and 20 minutes on 13 September.

The attempt, which was set as a challenge by British Olympic silver medallist Steve Cram, has now been verified by Guinness World Records.

Boswell described the confirmation as "a huge relief", adding: "I think I'm still in shock."

He said: "The day was a real challenge - not just the run itself, but the rain and the sheer number of people in Worcester city centre presented quite a few technical problems.

"But thanks to my brilliant BBC Hereford & Worcester colleagues, we were able to overcome them all - so the record truly belongs to the whole team."

Boswell had to carry his own broadcasting kit around the course, as well as a large mounted flag on his back.

"It was just a fantastic day," he said, adding: "The support was incredible.

"From people standing outside their homes in the rain, to kids offering high fives and sweets, cheer stations, ukulele players, a choir and so much more.

"The atmosphere was amazing all the way round the course."

Boswell continued: "I was blown away by how many people knew about the world record attempt, which was a blessing on all but one occasion.

"I was half a mile from the finish and pulled up with cramp when someone shouted out 'aren't you supposed to be running?'"

Boswell joked that uploading all the evidence needed to prove his record attempt was valid "took almost as long as the run itself".

He said: "We gathered so much - there was video from the action cam mounted to my backpack, a recording of the whole show, a GPS track from my watch, photos, social media content, confirmation of the official results - all the way to proving that the race was officially licensed.

"But it's been worth every second."

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