Michelle Frost (22), a Beaver Scout Leader from Kempston, has entered a claim to the Guinness Book of World Records after completing the London Flora Marathon on stilts in 8 hours 35 minutes the first person to do so. She finished the rain-soaked course at 5.30pm on Sunday afternoon “Just in time for tea”, she quipped. When faced with the 9ft high runner one TV presenter remarked, “Talk about making life difficult for yourself!”

But Michelle took it all in her stride. She has been stilt walking since the age of 12 and regularly trained around Stewartby Lake in preparation for the gruelling 26.2 mile run. A design graduate, Michelle makes all her own multi-coloured costumes. She is known as Rainbow Dave to her friends.

Back at home in Kempston her elder sister, Samantha, gave her an added reason to compete. For Sam was born with no right hand and has spent a lifetime coming to terms with the disability with dedicated support from the Cornwall-based charity REACH. Michelle was determined to show her gratitude by sponsoring the charity during her marathon. She has raised over £7000 and expects more to come in during the next few weeks.

A delighted Michelle said afterwards, “It was an amazing atmosphere. The crowds were brilliant.  They even stayed around long enough to cheer as I entered the finishing straight near Buckingham Palace. The worst time was crossing the Tower Bridge for the first time and knowing I still had 13 miles to go. Then at 22 miles I fell over but was picked up and limped the last four miles.”

And will she do it all again next year? “You try to stop me she said”.

[Back to News Front Page]