Story By: Kathryn Quinn, Sub-Editor:  Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

Video Credit: CEN/ Feuerwehr.at

This is the moment a fireman in full uniform walks on a treadmill as he breaks the world record by marching for 12 hours straight and racking up 44 miles.

Extreme sportsman and fireman Andreas Michalitz, 51, who was dressed in full uniform as well as breathing equipment walked 70.9 kilometres (44 miles) on a treadmill at the weekend without taking a break, covering 88,000 steps whilst carrying 24 kilograms (53 lbs) of equipment.

The previous record-holder had completed 50 kilometres (31 miles) so reportedly Michalitz broke the record by 13 miles. He was entitled to take a five-minute break every hour, but refused.

After breaking the record he said: “I would have liked to have continued.”

A spokesman for the Fire Service in Wiener Neustadt said: “We are waiting for the German Record Institute to confirm the record, but to break the record he needed to complete more than 50 kilometres in twelve hours. The ultra-marathon runner didn’t stop for twelve hours, (he did it) without taking a minute’s break .”

Fire service Commander Josef Bugnar said: “We are very proud of our Andi. He has not only delivered an excellent sporting achievement, he is also an active part of the fire service and has contributed vastly to the success of many fire service call-outs.”

This is Michalitz’ fourth world record, he holds records for climbing steps in his fire equipment for 24 hours as well as running 100 kilometres in his fire equipment. He also holds various ultramarathon records.

He said: “I run to relax, well at least that is how it started, running is much more than just a leisure activity for me. It is not only about fitness, when running I really manage to free my head.”

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.