In a unique twist on the world of marathon running, a man known only as “Traffic Cone Man” is gearing up to break a world record at this year’s London Marathon, with his eye-catching costume and unrelenting determination set to steal the spotlight.
The man behind the colorful cone outfit, 29-year-old Jamie Brooks from Manchester, is on a mission to become the fastest person to run a marathon dressed as a traffic cone. His attempt, which is drawing widespread attention, is not only a personal challenge but also a fun-filled campaign to raise awareness for road safety initiatives and charity.
“I’ve always wanted to do something out of the ordinary and memorable,” said Brooks, who has trained rigorously for the race despite the added difficulty of wearing a full-size traffic cone on his head. “The costume adds an extra challenge, but it also brings attention to a serious cause. Road safety and pedestrian awareness are something we can never take for granted.”
Brooks’ bold idea came after a long-running fascination with traffic cones and their role in keeping people safe on roads, which he believes is an often-overlooked issue. By tackling the marathon in his oversized orange-and-white costume, he hopes to make both a personal and societal impact.
Though training in the cone has been tough—especially in the unpredictable British weather—Brooks has proven to be up for the challenge. His marathon training routine includes running long distances while wearing the cumbersome cone, navigating everything from city streets to park paths, as he prepares for the big race day.
To document his journey, Brooks has been sharing his training process on social media, with fans around the world tracking his progress and encouraging donations to his chosen charity, the Road Safety Foundation. The foundation focuses on educating communities and advocating for safer road environments, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The support I’ve gotten has been overwhelming,” Brooks said. “I’m doing this for a cause close to my heart, and if I can set a world record while raising awareness, then it’s all worth it.”
Brooks’ record attempt has caught the attention of Guinness World Records, and the team will be on hand during the London Marathon to verify his run and confirm the new record.
As the marathon draws nearer, excitement is building not just for the race itself, but for the quirky and courageous “Traffic Cone Man” who is ready to sprint into history.
