Jason Bigonia, of South Bristol, fundraises for Grahamtastic Connection as he juggled and jogged – known as “joggling” – 50 miles in an attempt to break a world record on Sunday, May 19 in Wiscasset. (Mic LeBel photo)
Jason Bigonia, of South Bristol, set a world record by “joggling,” or jogging while juggling, for 50 km in a time of 4:33. He fell just 15 minutes short of the slighly longer 50-mile record. (Mic LeBel photo)
Endurance runner and circus enthusiast Jason Bigonia, of South Bristol, set out to break the world record for joggling 50 straight miles on Sunday, May 19 in Wiscasset. Joggling is a challenging niche sport that combines jogging with juggling.
After training for several months, Bigonia ran 149 laps at the Wiscasset Middle High School track while juggling three balls for more than eight hours. A team of friends and family were there to support him.
Bigonia broke two world records for endurance joggling, but the South Bristol School teacher missed the coveted 50-mile record by about 15 minutes.
“I broke the 50 km joggling record by 22 minutes with a time of 4:33:24,” said Bigonia. “I also set the six hour record by joggling a distance of 39.210 miles – beating the old record by a little over one mile.”
The remarkable endurance and coordination feat was made more daunting by the misty, overcast coastal weather that impacted Bigonia’s comfort and ability to see the balls he was juggling.
“The run started off well, and I ran an eight and a half minute mile pace for a long time,” said Bigonia. “I had to remove my sunglasses because the day was dark and misty, making it hard to see the balls.”
About 45 laps into the run, Bigonia ditched his hydration pack because it was chafing his neck and changing the way he joggled.
“My wife noticed I was leaning backward as I ran,” said Bigonia. “I tried to correct it, but the damage was already done.”
Bigonia began to struggle to keep his head upright and as a result lost some speed.
“I had to take frequent short breaks to look down at the ground, rest and stretch my neck,” said Bigonia.
Though he didn’t meet his ultimate goal, Bigonia noted that he is very happy with how the day turned out. Many supporters ran the final lap with Bigonia after he had spent more than eight hours circling the high school track in the coastal mist.
“The best part of my day was all the people who showed up to help me in this endeavor, to cheer me on, and who hung out afterward at Tin Top Cider in Alna,” said Bigonia. “That was the most special part. It takes a lot of people to break a record, not just the athlete.”
Bigonia’s joggling initiative raised $1,500 for Grahamtastic Connection, which provides free technology to children ages 3-18 in New England states and New York with cancer and other serious illnesses to support their education and social and emotional well-being. Technology, including iPads, laptops, robots and internet access, enables the kids to continue their education during treatment while also remaining connected to family, friends, and medical providers. For more information, go to grahamtastic.org.
Friends, family, and students join South Bristol School teacher and endurance runner Jason Bigonia on his final lap of 191 while joggling around the track in Wiscasset. (Courtesy photo)
