At Monday’s Dublin Marathon, 31 members of the Hughes Family succeeded in their quest to break the Guinness World Record for most members of one family to complete a marathon. The Hughes family first made history thirty years ago when eight brothers ran the course and set the Guinness World Record for most siblings to complete a marathon. While this record set in 1984 has since been surpassed, the Hughes family ensured their re-entry into the Guinness Book of Records when family members of the 13 siblings (8 brothers, 5 sisters) along with three of the original record breakers, traveled from locations throughout Ireland, the United States, United Kingdom, Spain and Germany to run Monday’s race.
Dublin Marathon: Pat, Vincent, Cathal, Richard, Declan, Seamus, Harry and Owen in 1984. Sourced from Irish Mirror.
The Hughes family were inspired to pursue the record after losing a family member to suicide and their marathon run helped raise much needed funds for the Galway based mental health charity On The Road Again (OTRA). OTRA works to help people who have been affected by homelessness, addiction and mental health issues to become sufficient through structured exercise programmes. As well as the obvious benefit to physical and mental health, the positive effects which can come from a regular exercise regime like running promotes positive self esteem and empowers people to take control of their lives.
Members of the Hughes Family 2014.
Well done to the Hughes Family for their setting a Guinness World Record and helping a fantastic charity on the way.
Portwest 