Byram man sets stilts world record

By Laurie Gordon
BYRAM — Byram man Miles McDonald recently set his second Guinness Book world record.

He set his first back in April of 2013 by completing 341 one-handed claps, and now he also holds the world record for the fastest 400 meter run on spring loaded stilts.

McDonald graduated from Lenape Valley High School in 2013, where he ran cross country and track all four years. He's now a sophomore at Syracuse University majoring in electrical engineering.

When McDonald saw the old world record for spring loaded stilts was held by Ashrita Furman — a 60-year-old who holds the most world records — he said, "I thought there was no reason not to go for it." The only problem was, McDonald had never done anything even close before.

He started practicing in his friend's driveway and at a track.

"The track was under construction the whole summer, so my friends and I had to sneak in late at night or really early in the morning to get a couple of test runs in just to make sure I could break it," McDonald said.

He had to beat 92 seconds for 400 meters.

On Aug. 14, he and his friends met at the track at 6 a.m., and McDonald covered 400 meters in one minute and 7.49 seconds. He received his official certificate from The Guinness Book of World Records in early November.

McDonald said he's given up one-handed clapping, and is excited about his new spring loaded stilts record.

As for future world records he said, "I have a few in mind."

Guinness World Records aims to make setting a world record accessible to everyone, so the cost for the the entire process, from the record application, to the assessment process to the arrival of the record breaker's official Guinness World Records certificate is free for individuals.