22-year-old solves 520 Rubik's Cubes while running marathon; breaks record
What's the story
22-year-old George Scholey from Northampton described it as "special" to potentially break the world record by solving approximately 520 Rubik's Cubes during the London Marathon. The previous record stood at 420. Scholey has sent the details of his achievement to Guinness World Records for official verification. He completed this feat while raising money for St John Ambulance, coinciding with the Rubik's Cube's 50th anniversary.
Insights
Head-worn camera captures every puzzle solved
During Sunday's London Marathon, 600 scrambled Rubik's Cubes were divided into batches of 50 and distributed in backpacks, positioned at checkpoints every two miles along the 26.2-mile (42 km) route. Completing the marathon in four hours and 25 minutes, Scholey filmed each solved puzzle using a head-worn camera. Witness statements supporting his achievement will be submitted.
Anniversary year
George Scholey's milestone achievement
Professional Rubik's Cube solver Mr. Scholey, speaking to the BBC, expressed relief upon hitting the target, despite the continued weight of 10-kilo cubes on his shoulders. Breaking the record during an anniversary year added significance. "The last cube - I did it 25 miles in, right opposite the London Eye, and it was the 50-year anniversary cube - the retro cube," he recalled.
Meaningful conclusion
Embracing closure with the 70s cube
He noted the deliberate choice to replicate the 70s cube for a meaningful conclusion. Expressing excitement, he observed the generosity of donors to his fundraising page, finding joy in their contributions and kind messages. The support received added a special touch to the project's culmination, leaving him deeply appreciative of the community's involvement and the heartfelt connections forged through their participation.
Top-selling toy
About Rubik's Cube
Ernő Rubik, a Hungarian academic, invented the Rubik's Cube to aid architectural students in understanding geometric forms. Millions worldwide purchased the toy, engrossing themselves in hours of twisting the colorful blocks until each side displayed uniform colors. As of January 2024, approximately 500 million Rubik's Cubes have been sold globally, solidifying its status as the world's top-selling puzzle game and toy.