Father and daughter duo David and April Clarke from Larne.
A dad and daughter duo from Larne are seeking to reclaim the half marathon world record at Belfast City Half Marathon.
David (65) and April Clarke (32) achieved the Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon ran by parent and child (mixed) on August 28, 2022, with a combined time of two hours, 44 minutes and two seconds – taking one minute and 30 seconds off the previous record.
But the duo have since been beaten by one second by a mother and son in America.
They are now bidding to claim the record back this time in Belfast through the 2024 Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday, September 22.
April said the duo are ready for the challenge.
“In 2022 my father and I achieved a combined half marathon time of two hours, 44 minutes and two seconds, making us Guinness World Record holders,” she said. “Exactly one year later, on August 28, 2023, I gave birth to my son.
“I wanted to try and get my fitness back and after finding out that our world record was beaten by only one second, this gave me that extra push to try and get my fitness back.”
The pair are hopeful they can reclaim their record in September.
“My father and I both decided that the Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon was a perfect race to try and claim back the record,” said April.
“We’re looking forward to the race in September and hope that all our training comes together and the weather is on our side.”
Representing North Belfast Harriers, David and April will toe the start line on Ormeau Embankment for Northern Ireland’s biggest half marathon.
Over 6,500 runners are registered to run the 13.1 mile route.
This event is sold out, but entries are open for the 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon (May 5) and Half Marathon (September 21).