A SKATEBOARDER from Malton is to take on a 300-mile skate in 24 hours - in the hope of setting a new Guinness World Record.
Ryan Swain, a keen skateboarder and presenter, will attempt to skateboard 300 miles in one day to raise funds for mental health charity Mind UK.
The challenge, equivalent to just over 11 marathons, will take place at Elvington Airfield, in York, on Monday, May 8, 2023.
At present, the longest distance travelled on a skateboard in 24 hours is currently 261.8 miles, completed by Andrew Andras in Homestead, Florida, USA, which was recorded to be almost 10 marathons in one day.
Ryan also spearheaded the ‘Rescue the Ramp Campaign’ to restore Norton Skatepark to its former glory.
Read about the newly restored Norton Skatepark
The presenter said he will use his "doggedness, determination and self-will" to complete the challenge and set a new record.
He said he has been encouraged by athletes all over the world to work hard and attempt to smash this great feat, not only for himself but also to boost the support for the charity.
Over the coming months, Ryan said he will be training very hard building all levels of strength, fitness and stamina whilst intaking a balanced diet to ensure he is at his best physical form ahead of the challenge.
He said: “This is going to be the biggest challenge of my life and certainly the hardest, I need to remain focused, dedicated and integral to my training as an athlete.
“I am so happy that the official Guinness World Records have approved my challenge and I am able to have a chance at bringing a new personal achievement and potential world record back to the UK and to my home in Yorkshire.
“The main reason for this is to raise lots of money and awareness for MIND as people are turning to their services in vast amounts daily but also to try and get as many people talking about mental health and their own emotions and feelings as I can using the hashtag #skateofmind for the challenge.”
This challenge comes after the skateboarder skated 100 miles across North Yorkshire throughout May.
The 100-mile challenge was in support of Cancer Research UK's, in a bid to raise money and awareness for the 'Wheel 100' appeal.
Read more about Ryan's 100-mile challenge
Both the 100-mile challenge and upcoming 300-mile challenge come a decade on from Ryan's skateboarding record on May 5 2012, in memory of Laura Louby Tierney, when he skated 56.2 miles in just five hours.
There is now and official Just Giving page set up for the 300-mile challenge in May 2023, where you can sponsor Ryan and make a donation with all proceeds going directly to the charity: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryanswain24hoursskate
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