2026 London Marathon World Records bid set as charity founder takes on 26.2 miles in 7kg costume

Toby Freeman

Toby Freeman, Founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a body part at the TCS London Marathon on Sunday 26th April 2026, running in a 7kg giant testicle costume and aiming to go faster than the current benchmark time of 3 hours, 32 minutes, and 21 seconds.

Toby’s world record attempt is part of his ongoing award winning awareness and fundraising campaign ‘Toby’s Big Ballsy Challenge’, designed to tackle stigma around testicular cancer, prompt checks and spark the kind of conversations that can save lives.

Toby Freeman, CEO & Founder of The Robin Cancer Trust, said: “Every mile I run dressed as a giant testicle gets people talking, and that’s exactly the point. Too many men are still embarrassed to check themselves or talk about testicular cancer. My goal has always been to prevent another family from going through what mine did, because no one should have to say goodbye to their brother at just 24.

“This world record attempt is going to be harder than anything I’ve attempted before, but if running 26.2 miles dressed as a giant ballbag makes even one guy get checked, it’s worth all the training, all the hard work and all the early mornings. With Coopah’s support, we’re showing what’s possible when fitness meets purpose.”

To prepare, Toby has partnered with Coopah, the official training app of the TCS London Marathon. Toby will be using the app’s tailored training plans, supported by world-leading coaches including reigning Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Eilish McColgan and powered by AI.

Pete Cooper, Co-Founder of Coopah, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting Toby on his world record attempt. His mission to inspire awareness through running aligns with what we believe at Coopah, using running as a force for good. We can’t wait to see him smash his training and make history on the streets of London.”

Funds raised will support The Robin Cancer Trust’s awareness, education and support work across the UK. The world record attempt is part of Toby’s wider ‘Big Ballsy Challenge’ campaign, which aims to raise £240,000 for testicular cancer awareness, education, and community support projects.

For more information, or to support Toby, please visit this link.