I just read about this. 2 men are running the Tulsa Marathon “Route 66” this Sunday while pushing their toddlers the 26.2 miles and their goal time is to break 2:42:21 wow, my hat is off to them.
I would like to run this Marathon in 2010 for many reasons but mainly so I can visit with my Aunt who lives in Tulsa.
Can’t wait to see how this one turns out for these guys.
Ronnie
One of the most unique world records in the marathon world will be battled (strollered) over on the streets of Tulsa on November 22, 2009. Elite marathon runners Michael Wardian and Zac Freudenburg and their children 11 month old Grant Wardian and 10 ½ month old Liam Freudenburg will be recipients of a free ride via their strollers as these two world class athletes race against each
other and the clock to break 2:42:21, the current Guinness World Record set by Wardian and
his older son Pierce at the 2007 Frederick Marathon in Maryland.
Executive Director Chris Lieberman states, “We are thrilled to have two of the world’s finest
endurance athletes come to Tulsa’s Williams Route 66 Marathon to attempt to set a new world
record with their children. We have taken every precaution to make sure this is a safe event for
the children and everyone else in the marathon. It should be great fun for the spectators along
the course and at Veteran’s Park.”
Michael Wardian, who runs for Team MarathonGuide.com and is also sponsored by The North
Face is coming off a 3rd place finish at the World Championship 50K race is ready to rock Route
66, “I heard from one of my friends and sponsor at MarathonGuide.com that Zac and Liam were
trying to break Pierce and my Guinness World Record at the Route 66 Marathon so we are going to Tulsa too and it is going to be “pram pushing duel” for the Guinness World Record. So,
we intend to break the record with my son Grant on board.” Zac Freudenberg, a 180 Energy
Drink and Michelob Ultra Runner replies, “Liam and I have been training hard and we think we
have a great shot at that world record.”
Both kids involved in the competition declined comment at this time. However, the excitement
is building in both camps as the days get nearer to race date.
About the Contenders
Michael Wardian
Current World Record Holder Marathon while pushing a stroller: 2:42:21
Most recently ran 2:23:13 at the Twin Cities Marathon in October and a personal best of
2:21:09 at the Vermont City Marathon in May 2009
Finished 3rd in 50K World Championship October 31st in Gibralter with a time of 3:00:15.
Reigning 100K and 50K National Champion and USATF ultramarathoner of the year for 2008.
Grant Wardian hails from Virginia and is 11 months old and weighs in at 18 lbs. He likes
climbing stairs, opening cabinet doors and throwing food on the floor. Hobbies include daily
naps, playing with his older brother, Pierce, and chasing the family dog (Maggie). Grant hopes
to one day to be able to brag to Pierce about besting his World Record.
Zac Freudenburg
Winner of the 2009 St. Louis Marathon in 2:23:57 – April, 2009
2008 World Mountain Running Championships (short distance team) – Bronze Medal
Ran 2:21:40 in his debut marathon in Boston in 2007
Third place finisher at the grueling Pikes Peak Marathon.
Liam Freudenburg
Liam was born on January 6th, 2009. He has dual Dutch and American citizenship, but not sure
yet if his first words are Dutch or English. His post race press conference will hopefully indicate
his preference. His favorite book seems to be ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’, but he does not watch
TV yet. He eats most things we put in front of him, but seems to really like bananas.