Guinness World Records has officially recognized Nigerian Samson Ajao for setting a new record by reading aloud for 215 hours.
This is one of the longest marathon attempts in the history of GWR.
In an article published on its website on Wednesday, GWR shared that Ajao read over 100 books on various topics, including finance, sales, management, leadership, politics, health, and mental wellness. The previous record was 124 hours, set by Rysbai Isakov of Kyrgyzstan in 2022. Samson shattered this record by reading for almost nine full days.
“27-year-old Samson Ajao from Osogbo, Nigeria, has performed the world’s longest marathon reading aloud, clocking in at 215 hours—just one hour short of nine full days,” the article read.
To achieve the record, GWR rules required Samson to read continuously from published works, with no more than a 30-second pause between items being read. The rules also allowed him five minutes of rest for every hour of reading, totaling two hours per day. During these breaks, he could eat, sleep, use the bathroom, or change clothes.
Before the attempt, Ajao consulted medical professionals on which foods and drinks would help preserve his voice and reduce the number of toilet breaks needed. In an interview with NTA News, he shared, “Even when it’s tough, you have to keep going to meet your target.”
Ajao’s motivation was to promote literacy and inspire a reading culture in Nigeria. “After completing the ‘read-a-thon,’ Samson and his supporters paraded through the streets in celebration,” GWR added. His parents were among those celebrating, expressing pride in his accomplishment.
The record attempt was witnessed by dignitaries, including Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Ngozi Adeleke and Education Commissioner Dipo Eluwole.
Highlighting the history of the longest reading marathons, GWR mentioned that the record dates back to 1987 when Adrian Hilton recited the complete works of Shakespeare for 110 hours and 46 minutes. Since then, the record has been broken several times, with Samson’s feat now standing as the longest.
“Not only is it the world’s longest marathon reading aloud, but it is one of the longest marathon record attempts in Guinness World Records history, surpassed in recent times only by DJ Faber Moreira’s 10-day DJ-ing marathon,” GWR stated.
