Guinness Record attempt to benefit Jenny Crain

Milwaukee-area runner Robin Gohsman is organizing an attempt to break the world record for the number of people running a marathon while tethered together. The Guinness World Record bid will be undertaken at the 2011 Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee on October 2 as a fundraiser for elite marathoner Jenny Crain's continued rehabilitation from brain injuries suffered when struck by a car on August 27, 2007.

Gohsman, owner of Body Basix nutrition products, has a great list of people who are interested in being part of this historic effort and is looking for more. All participants in this record attempt must register for the race on their own and before the event sells out. Runners unable to participate in the attempt can help other runners raise the funds needed to take part.

As of early February, 42 runners had committed to taking part in the fund raiser to break the record set by 27 runners at the London Marathon. The event is attracting international attention and support, including from honorary team captain Bart Yasso, Chief Running Officer at Runner's World Magazine, who will be waiting at the finish line.

Ultra running world champion Roy Pirrung has joined the team, as have runners from Colorado and Italy.

"We have Boston qualifiers, first timers, 5K'ers, old dudes like me, Jenny's brother Peter, her niece Ann and a kaleidoscope of the coolest people ever, all united in a common cause," Jeff Crosby said. "We have five joining us who will compete in Ironman Wisconsin three weeks earlier. I'll be one of them. Each felt this event was so significant and Jenny's cause so compelling that they couldn't miss it."

Gohsman, with the approval of the Lakefront Marathon Race Committee, is going to great lengths to ensure that other runners are not negatively affected. The tethered runners will start dead last and make sure that they finish in the 5:40- to 6-hour range. They expect to provide support and encouragement to runners at that point in the race and to increase spectator interest.

As vice president of logistics, Crosby said he will use his technical rock climbing knowledge "to ensure we are correctly and securely tethered for the duration of the run."

That includes, he said, a plan for how participants will take bathroom breaks.

Each team member registering for the attempt will be required to raise a minimum of $500. Those looking to sign up or find out more information should e-mail Gohsman at robin@338partners.com. All proceeds will go to the Jenny Crain "Make it Happen" Fund.