Stephen Biebelhausen, a 30-year-old father from Cleveland, Ohio, has set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest mile run while pushing a child in a pushchair. Accompanied by his one-year-old daughter, Blake, Biebelhausen completed the Guardian Mile in 4 minutes and 17.7 seconds, surpassing the previous record by nearly nine seconds.

The prior mark, held by American runner Silas Frantz, stood at 4:26.29 and was established in June 2025 during a race in Arroyo Grande, California. Frantz set the record with his son Otto. Reflecting on his achievement, Biebelhausen acknowledged the record might be short-lived but expressed pride in creating a memorable moment with his daughter.

Biebelhausen, an amateur athlete during his college years, did not initially plan to break the record. He only realized his potential to do so midway through the race. “I truly did not think I was going for the world record,” he said in an interview. The runner attributed much of his motivation to his daughter’s enthusiasm during their routine runs. “Blake absolutely loves running and will kick her legs, put her arms up like a roller coaster, and squeal in joy,” Biebelhausen said.

During the race, Blake appeared to be enjoying the experience, often moving her legs energetically and responding to the crowd’s cheers. Spectators at the event noted how much fun the toddler seemed to be having. After crossing the finish line, Biebelhausen kissed his daughter on the head and awarded her his medal.

The record was set at a public event in Cleveland, where the father-daughter duo has regularly trained together three to four times per week. Biebelhausen described how Blake’s excitement at seeing the running stroller and the cheering supporters helped fuel their pace.

This feat coincides with broader interest in mile running records. Last month, British athlete Josh Kerr broke a 27-year-old world record for the fastest mile, finishing in 3 minutes and 42.66 seconds at the London Diamond League event. Kerr surpassed Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj’s longstanding mark by nearly half a second, becoming the seventh British athlete to hold the record and the first since Steve Cram in 1985.

Biebelhausen’s accomplishment adds a distinctive chapter to the world of running records by combining athletic performance with the unique challenge of pushing a child in a stroller, showcasing both endurance and family spirit.