Brendan Neely, a Toronto firefighter, has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest 1-kilometre run while pushing a stroller. The idea first came to him during a jog last year when he was out running with both of his sons in a stroller.
A seasoned runner and obstacle course racer, Neely set his sights on the world record for “fastest 1 km run while pushing a stroller.” According to Guinness World Records, the attempt must include pushing a living passenger—Neely’s son in this case—safely strapped into a stroller. The stroller must be unmodified, and the runner must maintain contact with it at all times during the run.
On Thursday morning at Downsview Park, cheered on by friends and family, Neely took on the challenge. His son Jack was securely fastened into a Baby Jogger stroller sponsored by the company.
The previous record, set by a man from the U.K., stood at 3 minutes and 19 seconds. Neely shattered that time, finishing in 2 minutes and 51 seconds, setting a new world record.
“That was unreal,” Neely said after the run. “Everything went smoother than I expected. The conditions were perfect, and Jack was kicking and smiling the whole time—it was an ideal run.”
With the record now in hand, Neely is preparing for a race in Saudi Arabia next week. And while celebrating this milestone, he’s already thinking about taking on another stroller-running record—this time with both sons in tow.
For Neely, it’s not just about records—it’s about time with his kids.
“Honestly, this goes beyond any title. The hours I get to spend with my kids—that’s what matters most to me. It’s been an amazing journey,” he shared.
