Longest Pickleball Marathon Ever: London has made its mark on the pickleball scene, as four determined players shattered the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Playing Pickleball (doubles). Led by Tony Matharu, the group played through grueling conditions for 30 hours straight, showcasing both their love for pickleball and their determination to raise awareness for charity.
The pop-up court at Tower Hill became the stage for this historic event, which has not only earned a place in the record books but has also put London on the map for pickleball enthusiasts.
Endurance Meets Charity: 30 Hours on the Court
Endurance was the name of the game for Matharu and his teammates. While most pickleball players boast of playing for five hours, this team took it to another level. Fighting through the notorious British weather, they showcased mental and physical toughness in equal measure.
According to Matharu, “This record was about showcasing London’s innovation and sporting excellence, but it was also a chance to raise awareness and funds for charity.” His words emphasize that this was more than just a sports achievement—it was an effort to do good, while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of pickleball.
Sports Fest 2024: A Platform for Pickleball
This 30-hour pickleball marathon was part of Sports Fest 2024, a sporting event dedicated to showcasing London’s athletic talent. Pickleball, though still relatively new in England, is steadily gaining ground, thanks to high-profile events like this. This record attempt follows closely after England’s largest pickleball tournament, signaling the sport’s growth in the UK.
Though not traditionally known as a pickleball hotspot, London’s enthusiastic embrace of the sport, coupled with events like Sports Fest, indicates that the city is becoming a key player in the pickleball world.
Pickleball’s Global Impact
Pickleball’s rise isn’t limited to London. Pickleball sport has been making waves globally, with notable records such as the one set by American brothers Angelo and Ettore Rossetti in 2021. Their Guinness World Record for a 16,046-shot rally over six hours was impressive, but a 30-hour marathon takes the endurance challenge to new heights.
In 2024, the Rossetti brothers also attempted a new record, this time for the longest volley rally with over 10,000 shots in two hours. However, no event has captured the sheer physical and mental toll quite like this marathon.
News in Brief: Longest Pickleball Marathon Ever
Four Londoners led by Tony Matharu set a new Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Playing Pickleball (doubles), playing continuously for 30 hours at Tower Hill as part of Sports Fest 2024. The event highlighted pickleball’s growing presence in London, raised funds for charity, and came just after the largest pickleball tournament in England. This marathon solidifies pickleball’s place in the global sports landscape, building on previous world records like the Rossetti brothers’ 16,046-shot rally in 2021.
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