2hrs 27mins as Captain Underpants
A trainee solicitor at US law firm Milbank has successfully broken a Guinness World Record at the London Marathon, completing the race dressed as Captain Underpants in just 2 hours and 27 minutes.
Legal Cheek reported earlier this month that London-based trainee Archie Hunt was targeting a sub-2:30 finish in full costume. The previous record for the fastest marathon dressed as a book character was 2 hours 42 minutes.
Now, following Sunday’s race, Hunt has smashed the existing record, shaving 15 minutes off the previous time.
The record attempt involved more than simply donning a cape and heading to the start line. Guinness World Records requires strict adherence to costume guidelines, as well as official timing data, witness statements and photographic evidence to validate the attempt.
What a character!
Archie Hunt broke the record for fastest marathon dressed as a book character – 2:27:41
#LondonMarathon @LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/oL4XNhUJFM
— Guinness World Records (@GWR) April 26, 2026
Hunt, who ran in a full Captain Underpants outfit inspired by the children’s book character he read growing up, had spent months preparing, balancing intense marathon training with life at a top US law firm, including early morning 20km-plus runs before work.
The challenge also carried personal significance. Hunt has been fundraising for Evelina London Children’s Charity, linked to the hospital where he receives treatment for dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition affecting the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
Despite the condition, which he previously noted can add 10 to 15 minutes to marathon times, Hunt pushed through to deliver a record-breaking performance on the day.
His colleagues had rallied behind him ahead of the race, and it now seems their support paid off, with Hunt not only completing the challenge but doing so at a level few runners (costume or otherwise) could match.
“It feels amazing to break the costume record and to now be the fastest recorded marathoner diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy,” Hunt told Legal Cheek. “To finish in the top 0.1% of runners at one of the biggest and most competitive marathons in the world — I’d never have believed you two years ago if you’d told me I’d do that. Setting a new PB is super gratifying!”
Hunt continued: “Raising awareness for DCM means a lot to me, especially as someone only diagnosed relatively recently and who’s been running seriously for less than two years. It just goes to show you shouldn’t let perceived limitations stop you from trying something new. A massive thank you to everyone who donated — your support made a huge difference.”
“Since the race, I’ve even had brands reach out and been invited onto a podcast, which is pretty surreal. Next stop is a 110km ultra in Finland in June — and ultimately, the big goal is to go sub-2:20, even if that takes a while.”
A seriously impressive feat, and proof that even in the City, there’s time (just about) to train like an elite athlete… and do it in your underpants.
The post Milbank trainee breaks world record for fastest marathon dressed as comic book character appeared first on Legal Cheek.