A Scotsman is set to attempt breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run while clad in a kilt.
Stephen Molloy aims to conquer the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday, May 26, and set a new record under the current mark of 3 hours and 20 minutes.
The 33-year-old will be outfitted in traditional highland attire—including a suit jacket, kilt, and sporran—to fundraise for motor neurone disease (MND) research through the charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, established in honor of the late rugby star Doddie Weir.
Stephen, who has previously completed marathons in New York, Copenhagen, and London, is determined to smash the three-hour threshold during the 26.2-mile race.
The Aberdeen native stated, “I’m geared up and excited for Sunday’s challenge, though running in full Highland dress will certainly complicate things.
“To qualify for the record, I need to wear the jacket, waistcoat, and shirt, along with the sporran and the distinctive My Name’5 Doddie tartan kilt, and I can’t remove any part of it during the race! Thankfully, the weather seems cooler for Sunday, but knowing Edinburgh, anything can change.
“Doddie remains a huge source of inspiration to many, and I’ll have him and the MND cause in mind as I strive to break the record this Sunday.”
The current world record is held by Canadian Benjamin Denis Bilyard from the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon last October.
Stephen initially planned to run with fellow fundraiser Ewan Jack, but due to a knee injury, Ewan had to withdraw. Now, Stephen will tackle the marathon alone.
Instead, Ewan plans to participate in the half marathon at the Great Scottish Run in October, also wearing a full kilt. Together, they have raised over £2,700 for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with more contributions coming in.
Paul Thompson, the director of fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, commented, “It will be remarkable to see Stephen sporting the Doddie tartan in full Highland dress at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival this Sunday. We’ll be there cheering him on and are grateful for his tremendous support in our quest to discover effective treatments and hopefully one day a cure for MND.”
