TWO Skyrac athletes from Burley-in-Wharfedale are gearing up to attempt Guinness World Records at the London Marathon this Sunday. Rebecca César de Sá, who broke her first GWR last year (fastest marathon in film character costume, 3 hours 16 minutes) and raised nearly £3000 for the Burley in Wharfedale Scout and Guide New Hut Appeal is attempting a second title, fastest marathon as a lifeguard.

"I chose to attempt this record as it appeared the simplest one from the ones suggested this year by my three boys. Others included running in high heels, as a rhino and even three-legged! The rules for running as a lifeguard stipulate that I must wear lifeguard shorts and t-shirt, run with a whistle round my neck and carry a floatation device for the full 26.2 miles.

"So far I have only run 20 miles with the float. It is not as easy as it may look as it flaps around and makes my arm ache.’"

The record to beat is four hours and there are three other ladies attempting this Guinness World Record. Rebecca added: "I have no idea who I am up against, that is what I am most worried about, how quick are they?

"Running my tenth marathon as a lifeguard, I have decided to run for the RNLI and on Sunday I will certainly be thinking of the brave, selfless RNLI men and women who risk their lives for others. This will really spur me on, and with any luck I won't need to jump in the River Thames en route to perform a real rescue."

David Stoneman, an experienced sub 2:45 marathon runner, is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon in pyjamas. He has to wear full length, button fronted pyjamas and a nightcap. The current record to beat is 3:43. He is attempting this record to try and help raise awareness for Simon on the Streets, a charity who provide support for people who find themselves homeless and sleeping rough across Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield.

Dave said: "Rough sleeping is an issue that is affecting a lot of people in West Yorkshire. I see more and more people in this situation on my way to and from work every day and I really support what the charity is doing for them. Long distance running is usually a lonely pastime but the London Marathon is completely the opposite. The energy you get from the crowds is amazing and will be even more so on this occasion when they see Pyjama Man in action!

"There are several others trying to break this record at the London Marathon but hopefully they won't catch me snoozing!"

If you wish to support either runner visit their online pages at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rebecca-cesardesa https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-stoneman

Any donations, however small and insignificant they may seem, would be very gratefully received by the charities.