Dad and daughter seek to reclaim half marathon world record in Belfast
03 July 2024
David (65) and April Clarke (32) achieved the Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon ran by parent and child (mixed) at Larne on 28th August 2022 in a combined time of 2 hours 44 minutes and 2 seconds, taking 1 minute and 30 seconds off the previous record.
![Dad and daughter seek to reclaim half marathon world record in Belfast](/download/images/world-record.jpg)
David Clarke and April Clarke
But the Larne duo were since beaten by a mother and son by 1 second in America. They are now in a bid to claim the record back, this time in Belfast through the 2024 Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon on Sunday 22nd September.
April Clarke commented;
“In 2022 my father and I achieved a combined half marathon time of 2 hours, 44 minutes and 2 seconds, making Guinness World Record holders! Exactly one year later, on 28th August 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 1 second, this gave me that extra push to try and get my fitness back.
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. 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 what will not only be Northern Ireland’s biggest half marathon, but also the biggest in the events history since its inception in 2013. 6,600 runners are registered to run the 13.1 mile route that is an incredible tour of the capital city, soaking in cultural landmarks like the towering Harland and Wolff cranes, the vibrant Custom House Square, and the majestic City Hall.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro like David and April, or a first-timer, the flat, fast and strikingly scenic route is perfect.
The event sold out in record time and while organisers wish they could accommodate everyone, unfortunately the event is at capacity for this year and no further entries will be released. Entries are, however, open for the 2025 Moy Park Belfast City Marathon (5th May) and Half Marathon (21st September). You can secure your spot now at www.belfastcitymarathon.com – organisers are encouraging participants to register early to avoid disappointment.
The Moy Park Belfast City Half Marathon team would like to wish David and April the very best with their training and for race day on Sunday 22nd September.
The Moy Park Belfast City Marathon and Half Marathon is sponsored by Moy Park, Northern Ireland Electricity Networks, Belfast Live, Daily Mirror, Cool FM, Downtown, Downtown Country, Translink, Better, Tayto, Belfast City Council, Deep RiverRock, Athletics NI, Charles Hurst, Linwoods Health Foods and Mac in a Sac. The official charity partner is Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.