26.2 Surf For Donna World Record Attempt — Longest Surfing Marathon
Jacksonville Beach surfer and marathon runner Kurtis Loftus is combining talents with a goal to break the world record for Longest Surfing Marathon. His world record attempt is planned as a fundraiser for 26.2 with Donna The National Marathon to Finish Breast Cancer. The existing record was set in 2010 by 37-year-old William Laity of Huntington Beach, CA. Laity rode 147 waves on a single board for 26 hours and 1 minute. Fifty-year-old Loftus plans to surf a full marathon of time 26 hours and 12 minutes. This record-breaking event is set to take place in Jacksonville Beach on October 28, 2011. Final location and exact start time still to be determined.
An application for the record attempt was submitted to Guinness World Records by Loftus on Monday, September 12, 2011. The process requires several weeks of evaluation and approval. During that time, opportunities will be created for individuals and companies to share in the world record attempt. Loftus has identified a goal of $10,000 in fundraising. “This year we have a unique fundraising challenge that has been presented by Delores Weaver. Her foundation is asking 26.2 with Donna participants to raise $100,000 more than was raised last year. Delores has promised to match that $100,000,” Loftus explains. “I love a good challenge and this one is certainly worthy.”
A web site is being activated www.marathonsurfer.com. Loftus plans the site to be fully operational by Friday, September 16. Sponsorships and donation opportunities will be available and regular blog updates throughout training will keep everyone informed of progress leading up to the record attempt.
