As the international governing body for the sport of multi-day journey running, particularly in regard to circumnavigating the Earth on foot, the World Runners Association maintains a list of the world records and other achievements within the sport. These are published below in a progressive format that includes all previous holders of that world record. The latest entry is the current world record holder in that category, marked with an asterisk. Also published is a chronological list of all those who have achieved a ratified circumnavigation of the Earth on foot, according to the rules and guidelines defined by the WRA.
Fastest Circumnavigation of the Earth on Foot
23-10-2005: Jesper Olsen – 662 days (26,232 km)
13-09-2013: Tom Denniss – 622 days (26,232 km)
09-04-2015: Kevin Carr – 621 days (26,232 km)
08-04-2017: Serge Girard – 434 days (26,245 km) *
Fastest Circumnavigation of the Earth on Foot – Female
25-08-2008: Rosie Swale Pope – 1,789 days (32,187 km)
01-09-2022: Marie Leautey – 825 days (28,249 km) *
Longest Circumnavigation of the Earth on Foot
23-10-2005: Jesper Olsen – 26,232 km (662 days)
25-08-2008: Rosie Swale Pope – 32,187 km (1,789 days)
28-07-2012: Jesper Olsen – 36,917 km (1,489 days)
26-10-2014: Tony Mangan – 50,000 km (1461 days) *
Most Circumnavigations of the Earth on Foot
28-07-2012: Jesper Olsen – 2 circumnavigations *
Youngest to Circumnavigate the Earth on Foot
23-10-2005: Jesper Olsen – average age: 33 years 147 days *
Oldest to Circumnavigate the Earth on Foot
23-10-2005: Jesper Olsen – average age: 33 years 147 days
25-08-2008: Rosie Swale Pope – average age: 59 years 163 days
08-04-2017: Serge Girard – average age: 62 years 315 days *
Those who have circumnavigated the Earth on foot:
23-10-2005: Jesper Olsen – 26,232 km over 662 days (first fully documented and ratified world run). See www1.worldrun.org
25-08-2008: Rosie Swale Pope – 32,187 km over 1,789 days. See http://www.rosieswalepope.co.uk
28-07-2012: Jesper Olsen – 36,917 km over 1,489 days. See http://www.worldrun.org
13-09-2013: Tom Denniss – 26,232 km over 622 days. See http://www.tomsnextstep.com
26-10-2014: Tony Mangan – 50,000 km over 1,461 days. See http://www.theworldjog.com
09-04-2015: Kevin Carr – 26,232 km over 621 days. See http://www.hardwayround.com
08-04-2017: Serge Girard – 26,245 km over 434 days. See http://www.sergegirard.fr
01-09-2022: Marie Leautey – 28,249 km over 825 days (1001 days with Covid-enforced lockdowns included). See lootie-run.com
Honorary Mentions
16-11-2023: Tom Fremantle – 17,615 km over 1891 days (784 walking days). Despite not having officially satisfied all criteria due to significant Covid-related issues, Tom’s effort epitomised the spirit of a world run/walk. See tomsworldwalk.com
World Runners Association 
Very cool! Well done to all the record holders, especially my Dad… And to the World Runners Association for officially recognising these great feats!
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HI After listening to recent program The Body Sphere on ABC Rado National about Tom Denniss I was wondering how any of these super human efforts are ratified authenticated or verified. The show did not seem to focus on this aspect of the feat. Not doubting that events took place but how does one keep an eye on things 27/7. Thanks
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Hi John,
In essence, the verification process these days is fundamentally based on GPS data generated by Garmin or similar devices used by the runner. In addition, logbooks with signatures of local people, newspaper stories, and photographs and videos from the run are supplementary evidence that is highly recommended. Also, a runner is very strongly encouraged to carry some type of real time location device, linked to a map on a web site, that enables random and unsolicited visits to the runner while on the road by at any time by any person, including WRA officials.
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Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes it sounds like you have done the best that can be short of having Donald Trump sponsor a team to trail the competitor fulltime. Just my skeptical nature I suppose when I doubt these extreme efforts that take massive energy & money. Will keep in touch for the next venturer.
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Why does Serge Girard’s result of 434 days have an asterisk?
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The asterisk signifies the current world record.
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