Although the London Marathon course is typically closed to traffic, you may notice one ‘bus’ on route to completing the 26.2 miles.
Jackie Scully, a resident of Greenwich, south London, who battled breast cancer, is gearing up to tackle the London Marathon in a unique fashion. Alongside nine friends, she aims to break a Guinness World Record by running the marathon in none other than a 10-person bus costume.
The fashion-forward endeavor marks a significant milestone for Scully, commemorating a decade since she completed her chemotherapy treatment. This won’t be Scully’s first time making a statement with what she wears to a marathon. Previously, in 2017, she ran the marathon in her wedding dress just hours after marrying her husband, Duncan.
Scully and her team of ten will don various costumes representing “everyday heroes,” with Scully herself donning a Transport for London bus driver outfit.
Their goal is to raise £100,000 for Breast Cancer Now, NHS Charities Together, and the Willow Foundation, which provides experiences for adults battling serious illnesses, such as cancer.
The intricately crafted bus costume, constructed from hula hoops, plastic plumbing pipes, and yoga mats, was designed by Scully’s friend Frankie Seaman, a former professional skater. However, Scully admits to feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation due to the logistical challenges of running with nine others in costume.
Despite the complexity, the team is determined to break the current Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon time in a 10-person costume, which stands at six hours and 55 minutes.
For Scully, crossing the finish line will be a momentous occasion, representing her journey from chemotherapy to marathon runner and fundraiser.
Beyond the London Marathon, Scully has lined up additional challenges throughout the year, including the London 10k in July and a 100-kilometer trek across the Sahara Desert in November.
