UPDATE: Find out how Team Caterpillar got on at the Manchester Half 2025 here!

Four determined participants are hoping to crawl their way into history at this year’s Manchester Half  – by attempting a Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon in a four-person costume.

The team – made up of Matthew Athersmith, Eddie Evans, Andrew Cairns and Jimmy Craig – will be tackling the 13.1 miles dressed as a giant caterpillar. The current record stands at 1 hour 29 minutes, but with plenty of practice miles (and a carefully crafted costume, courtesy of a crafty friend), they’re confident that they’ve got the legs to beat the clock!

According to Matthew, inspiration for the challenge struck when Jimmy shared an photo of a similar multi-participant costume online. “We instantly wondered if there was a record for doing something like that,” Matthew said. “Turns out there was, so we applied and were accepted. The Manchester Half felt like the perfect place for the challenge, as it’s a fast course and all-round brilliant event”.

The group will be running in support of Andy’s Man Club, a men’s mental health charity close to their hearts. But while their cause is serious, the attempt itself promises plenty of fun – if they can get the pacing right. “We’ve picked an order that should keep us steady,” Matthew explained. “There are definitely a couple of us who couldn’t go at the front or we’d set off way too quickly!”

After successful practices, the group are feeling ready. Above all, they’re excited to soak up the atmosphere. “That’s what makes Manchester so special – it’s always an amazing day,” Matthew added. “We just can’t wait to be part of it… caterpillar and all.”

Make sure to check back on the Manchester Half website and social media after the event, to find out if Team Caterpillar were successful. In the meantime, discover another Guinness World Record taking place on event day in Sophie Godley’s inspiring story, an avid golfer planning to take on the world record carrying 13 golf clubs around the route.