A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack may set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon Bible reading, targeting 144 hours of uninterrupted reading in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The record attempt, branded “144 Hours in the Word,” began on June 22 at Novotel, Port Harcourt, and is expected to end on July 2 in accordance with Guinness World Records guidelines.

As at Sunday morning, Habibat had crossed over 100-hour mark, moving into the final stage of the challenge.

Videos shared online showed her reading aloud from a lectern and at a desk, with digital timers logging her time as family, friends, and church members supported her on-site.

According to organisers, the attempt follows official GWR rules, which require participants to read aloud continuously and permit only short breaks for essential needs.

Habibat, a member of The Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, said the challenge is a faith-led initiative aimed at inspiring deeper engagement with Scripture.

The marathon has drawn attention on social media and adds to Nigeria’s recent run of endurance record attempts.

It comes after Guinness World Records recognised Samson Ajao of Ibadan in 2024 for the longest marathon reading aloud, following his 215-hour effort that broke the previous 124-hour record set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022. (The Nation)

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