Local run club attempts to break Guinness world record wearing flip-flops
A Triangle run club known for breaking world records while its runners wear flip-flops gathered Saturday for another crack at setting a new milestone.
Up to 2,000 runners, spectators and volunteers showed up in Cary for the World’s Largest Flip-Flop 1K event, which is presented by nOg run club.
The event is held to raise money for local non-profit group but also gives nOg a slice of international recognition by breaking a Guinness World Record.
“We just look for ways of raising money and people want to break a world record,” said Elizabeth Pagano, president of the nOg run club, which has held the event for the past four years. “We are a run club, yes, but we raise money and donate back to the community, so that sets us apart a little.”
At the start of the race, it was questionable if the group would break the record this year because the organization was a few runners short.
But event organizers, armed with spare sandals, took to the streets and found 10 unlikely – but willing – participants.
A total of 1,346 runners participated during this year’s event - that is 10 more than last year's record breaking run. The group raises $10 for each runner, Pagano said.
A few runners were disqualified because they did not meet the Guinness standards for the event. According to Guinness, participants have to wear thong sandals for the full race.
The event was hosted by Bond Brothers Beer Company. Runners arrived at the popular brewery as early as 9 a.m. on Saturday to drink craft beer and get ready for the race.
Pagano, said the run club will not officially shatter the record until they submit video evidence and paperwork to the Guinness organization. But no matter the outcome, Pagano sees the run as a great opportunity for charity.
Originally, the nOg run club tried to break the record for largest kilt run. After being unsuccessful, the club moved to trying the flip-flop run and has had four successful years since. Pagano said last year over $95,000 was donated to various charities and non-profits through the run.
The block surrounding Bond Brothers was shut down for the event, but Cary resident Mike Roberts said he enjoyed watching the run. The noise of the first group of flip-flop runners brought him outside to see the commotion.
“It was a strange sound. I have never heard that sound before ... almost like clapping hands,” said Roberts.
Participants in the race were not only limited to the nOg run club members. Many who came out to the event were not a part of the club but wanted to be a part of breaking the world record.
