If taking on the 26.2 miles of the adidas Manchester Marathon course isn’t enough of a challenge, Louise Warwick will also be tackling one of the more unusual World Record attempts the event has ever seen when she takes to the streets of Manchester armed with not only a pair of running shoes, but also some crochet hooks.

Louise is going to combine her growing passion for marathon running with her other great passion of crochet and will be attempting to break the World Record for creating the longest crochet chain whilst running a marathon; a record that has stood for almost ten years.

With over 30 years of crocheting experience, Louise will be hoping to break through the 140 metres mark and in doing so break the current record, which stands at 139.4 metres and was set by Susie Hewer in 2014.

Louise Warwick said:
“I’m nervous and excited. It should be something fun to do to take my mind off running but there is pressure on to break the record! My Gran taught me to knit and crochet and that love for making has always been with me.

“I didn’t want to run and train with the pressure of trying to run a personal best so I thought I’d have a go at a record attempt instead. It’s the perfect way to combine my two hobbies; and I’m not one to make life easy for myself either!”

Having previously participated in the event twice, Louise is no stranger to the electric environment of the Manchester marathon. The additional dynamic of crocheting will present a new challenge for her on the day, but it is one she is looking forward to taking on.

She said: “It’ll definitely be more challenging. Normally, you’d use your arms to help but I won’t be able to! I’ve also got the added weight of the yarn I’ll need on my back and then the weight of the chain that is made in a specially-made pinny around my waist.”

Louise first started running seven years ago and never imagined that it would become such a passion of hers. A break from the sport spurred her on to entering the marathon again this year.

“I started running just to run a 10k with colleagues for charity,” she said. “I didn’t think I’d end up still being at it now, with five marathons done (six if you count a covid virtual one) and almost loving it!

“After taking some time out of running to have a baby, I got some major FOMO when we went to support at Manchester last year and made the daft decision to enter! This will be my third Manchester Marathon; I first did it in 2018, and again in 2019. It will be my first time on the new route.”

With training going well and many practise runs under her belt, Louise is looking forward to being supported on the day by her friends, family, running club and crowds at the event.

She said: “Thankfully I’ve got lots of support from my family and friends. I don’t think any of them are at all surprised that I’m attempting something like this!

“I’m hoping the crowds in Manchester will see me through, but my partner and baby should be popping up throughout the day – and also lots of support from my running club, Prestwich AC; there are quite a few of us running the marathon!”

Visit www.manchestermarathon.co.uk for more information and to sign up for the 2024 event.