Proving that age is no barrier to greatness, James C. Wigginton, a 71-year-old retired firefighter from New York, has smashed expectations and the Guinness World Record for the fastest time to climb or descend one million stairs in the 70+ age category.
Wigginton completed the staggering feat in a time that left fitness enthusiasts and medical professionals alike in awe—just 92 days of relentless stair climbing, averaging nearly 11,000 stairs a day. The record was officially verified this week by Guinness World Records and is now being hailed as one of the most inspiring endurance achievements in recent memory.
The inspiration behind the million-step mission wasn’t just personal. Wigginton dedicated his record-breaking climb to raising awareness for heart health and active aging, launching the campaign under the banner “Step Strong, Live Long.”
“I wanted to show people that your 70s don’t have to mean slowing down,” said Wigginton, who trained for nearly a year before attempting the feat. “You can keep pushing, keep thriving, and even make history.”
James took on the challenge both outdoors and indoors—scaling staircases in city parks, office buildings (with permission), and even his local gym. He tracked every step using certified fitness trackers and verified logs, all closely monitored by Guinness officials and a team of volunteers.
His regimen included two daily stair sessions, a strict recovery diet, and weekly check-ins with a physician. According to Dr. Lena Matthews, a cardiologist who followed his progress, Wigginton’s cardiovascular endurance now rivals that of people decades younger.
Wigginton’s journey has inspired thousands online, with daily updates on social media attracting a growing community of fans who cheered him on every step of the way. Many shared stories of how his perseverance motivated them to get more active.
“He’s not just climbing stairs—he’s lifting the spirits of an entire generation,” said fitness advocate and former Olympian Tony Rogers, who praised Wigginton’s “grit and greatness.”
Now that the million-step mark has been conquered, Wigginton has his eyes on another challenge: encouraging local communities to create more senior-friendly fitness spaces and possibly writing a book about his stair-climbing journey.
As for rest? “I’ll take a few days off,” he chuckled, “but I can’t sit still for long. There are always more steps to take.” Aging like a legend, James C. Wigginton reminds the world that with passion and persistence, the climb never ends.
