Durham City Schools Sports Partnership | Boys smash world record 'neigh' bother!
 

Boys smash world record 'neigh' bother!

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July 6th, 2009

On Sunday July 5th at 10.30am crowds gathered at Gateshead International Stadium to watch our very own SSCo Mr 'Dark Horse' Donaghy and Olympic athlete Jared Deacon attempt to break the world record for the 100m sprint ... dressed as a pantomime horse!  Both athletes had trained very hard in preparation for the day, and were taking it extremely seriously.  They were running in aid of St. Oswalds hospice, in Newcastle, and were aiming to raise over £1000 for the charity.
 
There has been many obstacles along the way, as Mr Donaghy struggled to find a costume that was fit for the occasion.  The Guiness requirements for the costume were very strict, and it was important to find a costume that would make running as easy as possible!  Jared also suffered an injury in the week leading up to the big event, leaving us wondering if he would make it.
 
Of course he soldiered on and turned up on the day hoping he had enough horse power to gallop his way to victory.  As the day of the attempt dawned both athletes were very nervous.  A huge crowd had gathered in the stands to cheer the boys on, including some of the SSP team.  We were all very excited to see Mr Donaghy and Jared attempt this tough task! 
 
But before we knew it they were off!  Galloping down the track like Red Rum himself, they crossed the finish line with glee.  Now was the long wait to see the official time of the run and find out if they had beaten the current record of 13.51 seconds... and indeed they had!!!!!!
 
With an incredible 13.23 seconds the boys had smashed the current record, leaving no room for long faces in Gateshead International Stadium!! 
 
After the race Mr Donaghy said 'It was really hard because we couldn't actually see where we were going - either of us.  We could hear the cheer of the crowd at the end so we just headed for that.  We're delighted to get the new world record'. 
 
The boys were then interviewed by Real Radio, The Journal Newspaper and Tyne Tees and Border News!  They appeared on television on Sunday night to tell all about their achievement.
 
We would like to say a huge congratulations to the boys, and commend them on all of their hard work for St.Oswalds Hospice!  Mr Donaghy, you did Durham City SSP proud!  We look forward to see what you will be dressed as in your next adventure!
 
 
 
 
 
There is still time to support the boys in their achievement and donate to St Oswalds hospice.  Simply visit http://www.justgiving.com/whythelongface or contact Mr Donaghy at the Durham City SSP office.
 

If you would like to see a video of the pair achieving their world record and an interview with them and their panto friend visit http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2009/07/06/pair-gallop-to-a-new-sprint-world-record-61634-24081154/

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