How to Break a World Record
Think you belong among the best of the best? Make it official with these steps.
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You Will Need
- Internet access
- 2 or more witnesses over 18
- Discipline
- Proper documentation
- Official adjudicator (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Pick a category
Decide on a record to break. Choose an event that already exists, or make one up. Be sure your goal is a measurable achievement.
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Step 2
Register your idea
Go to guinnessworldrecords.com and click 'set a record.' Fill in your contact information, submit a description of your proposed record, and wait for approval, which generally takes about four to six weeks.
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If your record can't wait six weeks, fill out a Fast Track Application, and pay a fee to get a response in three working days.
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Step 3
Review the process
Review the information in the Record Breakers' packet you receive for guidelines on how to properly document your attempt.
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Pick witnesses who are not your friends or family members, and who are preferably well-known, respected members of your community.
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Step 4
Train
Train. Do full trial runs of your attempt to make sure you know exactly what to expect when the big day comes.
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Step 5
Keep in contact with Guinness
Stay up-to-date on developments in your record category. Call Guinness the day before your attempt to make sure that no one broke the record while you were training.
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Consider external factors like weather conditions when you plan to make the attempt. Reschedule if something isn't in your favor.
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Step 6
Meet documentation criteria
Document your attempt according to the rules for your category. Have your witnesses fill out an official logbook detailing your attempt, or hire an official adjudicator from the Guinness website to verify your record on the spot.
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Step 7
Break the record
Get out there and break that world record! Send in the logbook along with any other documentation. Then, wait for Guinness to approve your attempt and send you a certificate naming you as a world record holder.
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In 2009, Queens, New York resident Ashrita Furman simultaneously held 101 world records, giving him the record for most world records.
