Cricketer runs 101 kms from Lord's to bowl one delivery and set world record

Sam Bodoano, a 22-year-old club cricketer from Worplesdon near Guildford in Surrey, has set what is believed to be a world record for the longest run-up in cricket history. He ran 62 miles, approximately 101 kilometres, from Lord's Cricket Ground in north London all the way to his home club ground in Woking, where he bowled a single delivery to his father upon arrival.

Bodoano plays for Valley End Cricket Club and completed the challenge across two days, starting on Saturday and finishing on Sunday.

The entire effort took about 14 hours to complete. He wore full cricket whites from the very first step at Lord's to the moment he released the ball at Valley End, covering a substantial stretch of southern England through the night.

The challenge raised more than £6,000, approximately $8,100, for the Ruth Strauss Foundation, a charity that supports families affected by non-lung cancer. The fundraising total was confirmed alongside the record attempt, and a video of Bodoano bowling the final delivery after his overnight run circulated widely online.

How does Bodoano's distance compare to the previous record?

The previous record for the longest cricket run-up stood at 15 miles. Bodoano's effort of 62 miles surpassed that mark by more than four times the previous distance, representing a significant leap beyond what had been achieved before. The identity of the previous record holder has not been confirmed in available evidence and has been omitted accordingly.

The route took Bodoano from one of the most recognised cricket grounds in the world to his own club ground, with the entire journey completed in cricket attire. The scale of the challenge, both in distance and duration, drew considerable attention from cricket fans and the wider public once footage of the final delivery emerged.

Has Guinness World Records officially confirmed the attempt?

As of the time of writing, Guinness World Records has not officially verified the attempt. The record claim remains pending formal confirmation from the organisation, and no timeline for a decision has been made public.

The Ruth Strauss Foundation fundraising total of more than £6,000 was confirmed independently of the record verification process. The foundation supports families dealing with non-lung cancer diagnoses, and Bodoano's challenge brought renewed public attention to its work. The combination of the record attempt and the charitable cause contributed to the widespread coverage the story received across sports media.