Inspirational Chirk man with Down Syndrome walks his way into Guinness World Record books

Inspirational Michael Beynon, aged 29 and from Chirk, north of Oswestry, walked 100km in one week and won a place in the famous Guinness World Record books.

Michael kicked off his challenge by participating in the Cardiff Half Marathon.

The challenge then took him to several towns and cities across Wales, including Stackpole, Aberystwyth, and Llangollen, running and walking between 5km and 10km each day.

He battled through the cold weather and coped with a tight hamstring but successfully completed the 100km.

He was joined by friends, supporters, and members of local Mencap groups who cheered him on along the way.

Michael said: “I’m so happy about achieving this Guinness World Records title. I hope this 100km challenge encourages others to get out and stay active. We went through some fantastic places in Wales, but the hardest part was Stackpole – it was so hilly and windy, but I still had so much fun.

"I’m already thinking about my next challenge, which will hopefully be stacking the tallest pile of Welsh cakes!”

Michael achieved the record for the furthest distance covered on foot in one week (II2 IS1) with an impressive 100.17km (62.86mi).

The record was achieved as part of the Guinness World Records impairments initiative, which was developed alongside learning disability charity Mencap.

The initiative allows reasonable adjustments for people with a learning disability attempting Guinness World Records titles.

Michael is one of a group of Mencap Myth Busters - people with a learning disability who are committed to challenging misconceptions about what living with a learning disability looks like. Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that gives people a variety of physical and intellectual characteristics.

The group also includes Harvey Price and CBeebies presenter George Webster. Michael has represented Team Special Olympics GB at the World Games and was the first person with Down Syndrome from Wales to complete the London Marathon — running the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 and the in-person event in 2021.  

Jon Sparkes OBE, chief executive at Mencap, said: “We are so proud of Michael for achieving this incredible Guinness World Records title.

“Not only is this a personal achievement, but it is also encouragement for people to stay active while challenging myths and preconceptions about what it means to live life with a learning disability.”  

“It is great to see more people with a learning disability able to attempt world records through this inclusive initiative by Guinness World Records, and we are excited to see even more take on these challenges in the future."