English club cricketer and endurance athlete Sam Bodoano has taken the concept of a bowling run up to an extraordinary level, completing a 101.38 km journey from Lord’s Cricket Ground in north London to Valley End Cricket Club in Woking before bowling a single delivery. The 22 year old spent approximately 14 hours completing the challenge, which was designed to break the existing Guinness World Record for the longest cricket bowling run up.
He managed to hit two sixes during his innings, although the Ruth Strauss XI ultimately lost to Valley End Socials by one run. The physical demands did not stop Bodoano from participating in the match.
He eventually reached Valley End Cricket Club near Woking the following afternoon, completing the run in full traditional cricket whites. He also had to carry the match ball throughout the entire journey as part of the requirements for the record attempt. His father struck the historic delivery into the covers for no run, allowing Bodoano to complete the unusual challenge before taking part in the rest of the fixture. Bodoano’s attempt was also undertaken to raise money for The Ruth Strauss Foundation, the cancer charity founded by former England captain Andrew Strauss in memory of his late wife.
Sam Bodoano has etched his name into the record books by completing a remarkable 101.38 km journey from Lord’s Cricket Ground to Valley End Cricket Club in Woking before delivering a single ball. The 22 year old completed the gruelling challenge in 14 hours, smashing the previous men’s record of 24 km, which was set by Tom Dunn in August 2024. Bodoano began his journey just before midnight on August 30, setting off from the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Once he arrived at the club, Bodoano immediately delivered the opening ball of an 11 a side match to his father. Reports put the amount raised at almost £6,000, adding a charitable purpose to the remarkable endurance challenge.
