In a bold blend of brains and bravery, Ethan Wallace, a 29-year-old performance artist and neuroscience enthusiast, is turning heads—and turning pages of the record books. Dressed in a life-sized, anatomically correct brain costume, Ethan is on a mission to break the world record for the longest distance walked in a novelty outfit.
Dubbed the “Brain Walk for Awareness”, the campaign is more than just a quirky attempt at fame. Ethan is using the attention-grabbing costume and challenge to raise awareness for mental health education and brain research. His goal: walk over 500 kilometers across five U.S. cities—all while encased in a soft pink foam suit shaped like the human brain.
“I wanted to do something eye-catching, something unforgettable—and what better way than literally becoming a giant brain?” Ethan laughed, speaking to reporters at the start of his journey in Central Park. “It’s funny, yes. But it’s also about something serious: the need to talk about what goes on inside our heads.”
The brain suit, which took three months to design and build, includes cooling fans, hydration tubes, and even a QR code printed on the back, linking passersby to mental health resources and donation pages. Ethan has partnered with several organizations including the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and local support centers in each city he visits.
A Record With a Message
The current record for longest novelty costume walk stands at 470 km, held by a man in a T-Rex suit in Australia. Ethan hopes to surpass that by at least 30 kilometers, walking 20 km a day for nearly a month. Guinness World Records has been notified, and officials are tracking his progress.
Crowds have already begun gathering in support. School groups, mental health advocates, and curious onlookers cheer Ethan on at every stop, snapping selfies with “The Brain Guy” and sharing his story on social media with the hashtag #BrainWalk2025.
Brains and Heart
“I’m not just walking in a brain—I’m walking for every person who’s ever struggled with anxiety, depression, or felt like they had to hide what they were going through,” Ethan said. “If I can carry this ridiculous thing across states, then maybe someone else will feel like they can carry through their tough day too.”
His journey is scheduled to end in Washington, D.C., where he plans to deliver a keynote at a youth mental health summit—still in costume.
As the miles add up, so does his impact, proving that when it comes to changing minds and hearts, sometimes you’ve just got to put your brain where your feet are.
