Toronto’s Evan Latsky has his eyes set on what could be the most relevant Guinness World Records title to Canadians imaginable.
On Oct. 21, Latsky will be trading in his hockey skates for running shoes, but that’s it, the rest of the gear stays.
At the 2018 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Half-Marathon, Latsky will attempt to set a Guinness World Records title for Fastest half-marathon dressed in an ice hockey kit (male). Yes, that means running 21.1K with a full set of ice hockey equipment (minus the skates). And although not required, Latsky plans to run with a hockey stick in hand, to complete the look.
He’ll need to run 2:04:20 to officially become a Guinness World Records title holder. A necessary time is required as there is no existing Guinness World Record for the distance.
Photo: Tim Huebsch/Canada Running Series.
Although there is no half-marathon record currently, there is a standing Guinness World Records title for Fastest marathon dressed in an ice hockey kit (male), set at the 2012 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. That year, Paul Statchuk completed 42.2K in a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey in 4:08:43, running for the Brain and Tumour Foundation of Canada.
Photo: Tim Huebsch/Canada Running Series.
Coincidentally, Latsky first thought of the idea of the Guinness World Records title attempt after seeing Michal Kapral’s world-famous Guinness World Records titles for joggling (Fastest marathon joggling with three objects (male)), and Calum Neff’s Guinness World Records title for Fastest marathon pushing a pram (male). Both Guinness World Records were set at previous editions of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. “After I learned of those [records], I thought, ‘I have to do that, I want a Guinness World Record’ so I looked into the process and Guinness accepted my application,” the Queen’s University computer engineering student says.
Photo: Tim Huebsch/Canada Running Series.
Latsky says the three optional pieces of gear include a neck guard, mouthguard and hockey stick, the latter of which he will run with regardless of it being non-mandatory. A finisher of four half-marathons, the first of which came when he was in Grade 10, Latsky’s love for hockey and history as a competitive runner made this specific Guinness World Records attempt appropriate. Latsky raced for Queen’s University in his first year on the varsity team. The 20-year-old has transitioned to quirkier and other fun aspects of running now, like this GWR title attempt, after being a late-starter in running.
Photo: Tim Huebsch/Canada Running Series.
The Torontonian says that one of his biggest concerns will be the heat, and the conditions on the day. After initially testing out the gear while running on the treadmill for 15 minutes, Latsky concluded that the lower body equipment will be trickier (due to the bulky nature of shin pads) than the upper body. “I’m hoping for a cool morning,” he says.
Photo: Tim Huebsch/Canada Running Series.
Latsky is running in support of Right To Play and will be wearing the charity’s ice hockey jersey on Oct. 21. Right To Play is a global organization committed to improving the lives of children and youth affected by conflict, disease and poverty. Right To Play’s unique play-based approach to learning and development uses play in all of its forms – games, creative play, sport, free play – to engage children in programs that focus on making a positive impact in quality education, health and well-being, gender equality, child protection and building peaceful communities.
Photo: Tim Huebsch/Canada Running Series.
Right To Play, a part of the 2018 Scotiabank Charity Challenge and one of the close to 200 official charities in the challenge, are headquartered in Toronto.
Thinking of chasing your own Guinness World Records title? See complete information and how to register here.
