A Sunshine Coast man’s plan to break the world record for pushing a mower has been bolstered by several generous developments – including the donation of a lightweight mower with hi-tech ball-bearing wheels.
Steve Hirst will take to Sunshine Coast Stadium oval on Friday, where he will begin pushing a mower in the hope of breaking the record distance of 92.8km over 24 hours.
“I did 50km last Thursday – the half way mark of the current world record,” he explained of his progress so far.
“He did the 92.8km in 24 hours – I got to the half way mark in nine hours and six minutes, so I’m on track but I’m not fooling myself.
“I need to get the kilometres in the bank early, and then … when I get up to 70 to 75km, I’ve just got to grind that bit out and just make sure I look after myself as far as blisters go, nutrition, and all that sort of stuff.”
The Big Mower at Beerwah has provided a welcome boost, donating a Bushranger mower that’s about 10kg lighter than what he’s been training with, and it has the smooth ball-bearing wheels.
“I never thought I’d be excited by double precision ball-bearing wheels, but I really am,” Mr Hirst said with a laugh.
The Big Kart Track has also joined the world record attempt by donating special shirts and hats for a newly-formed ‘pit crew’ that’ll help keep everything running smoothly.
“That’s my son Kobe and some of his mates – and I might just bring the mower in and they can give it a wipe down before I keep going, just a bit of fun.”
Mr Hirst is using the world record push to raise $70,000 to support local charity IFYS, so they can purchase a new VW Transporter for the Old Church Youth Accommodation – already (by late Friday) his total raised so far had ticked past $42,000.
“The community has been really good, getting behind it – I’ve done lots of media interviews,” he said.
“It’s been really good, and at the end of the day what we’re trying to do is help the homeless youth of the Sunshine Coast.”
The idea to attempt the record first emerged while he was reading the Guinness Book of World Records with his son last Christmas. The previous record was set by Andy Maxfield in the United Kingdom in 2019.
Mr Hirst will start his record breaking attempt at 7am at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Kawana, on October 7.
“I did 23.2km today (Monday) as my last training run, in 4 hours 29 minutes.
“From a training point of view, I’m kind of done now … until I start at 7am Friday. ”
To donate to the campaign, visit www.inclusivekids.com.au
Read our previous story: A cut above the rest: Coast man eager to mow down Guinness world record for a good cause
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