Record Attempt Begins In
Days
Hours
Minutes
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A World Record Breaking Lawn Bowls Marathon
About the Event
Date
01–02 August 2026
Target
36+ hours
Starts
6am Saturday
Location
Newark-on-Trent
Matt Noble and Jamie Croft are attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Playing Outdoor Bowls (Singles). The current record stands at 32 hours and 34 minutes — and they're targeting over 36 hours of non-stop play.
The attempt takes place at Newark Town Bowls Club on 1–2 August 2026, beginning at 6am on Saturday morning. Every pound raised goes directly to Menfulness, a men's social wellbeing charity both players are passionate about.
Entry is free. Spectators are welcome throughout, day and night.
The Competitors
York, UK
Former national level rower as a teen and regional cycle racer in his 20s and 30s, Matt is used to making his body endure countless pain in the pursuit of peak performance — but how will it react to 33+ consecutive hours on the green?
"I'm really looking forward to this challenge. I finally took up bowls last year after having a desire since a kid to take part in the sport, and ever since I saw the current record was 32 hr 34 min I've had it in my mind to try and beat it. To be able to do this, raise the profile of the club, the sport, and the charity we're supporting is all a bonus for me."
Newton Abbot
Having been a national level sprinter in his teens, Jamie is very used to the stress of training for sporting events. However, being a sprinter training for endurance is not a normal event, and it remains to be seen what toll this will take.
"Having been approached by Matt to join him in this challenge I could not refuse. The opportunity to test my body and mental resilience whilst supporting a cause that has personally impacted on my life is something that I am really excited about. I have only played bowls for a year, but having fallen in love with the sport, I do hope that this event will help people see how the support can help them in their lives."
Guinness World Record
Current Record
32h 34m
Adam Dally & Carl Rattley
Earls Barton Bowls Club, Northamptonshire
17–18 June 2022
Their Target
36h+
Setting a new benchmark for endurance in lawn bowls.
The Guinness World Record for the Longest Marathon Playing Outdoor Bowls (Singles) currently stands at 32 hours and 34 minutes, set by Adam Dally and Carl Rattley at Earls Barton Bowls Club, Northamptonshire, on 17–18 June 2022.
In the challenge, two players compete in a continuous singles match for as long as possible — day and night, without stopping. Guinness rules allow only very limited breaks, meaning competitors must maintain concentration, skill, and physical endurance for more than a full day of non-stop competition.
Breaking this record is about far more than simply staying awake. Lawn bowls requires consistent precision, focus, and control — even small lapses in concentration can decide an end. Maintaining that level of performance for over 30 hours makes this one of the most demanding endurance challenges in the sport.
The attempt must be continuously played, carefully documented, and verified by independent witnesses and timekeepers from the English Bowls Umpires Association, with video evidence recorded throughout.
When & Where
Dates
01–02 August 2026
Start & End
6am Sat — 3pm Sun+
Venue
Newark Town Bowls Club, London Rd, Newark-on-Trent NG24 1TS
Record Target
36+ hours of continuous play
Newark Town Bowls Club, London Rd, Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire NG24 1TS. Spectators are welcome throughout the event — entry is free.
Supporting
Menfulness is a men's social wellbeing group who — through activities and counselling — support and promote improvement in men's lives.
Menfulness is led by 5 blokes from York who, like most of us, have struggled with mental health and the pressures of life. They've found strength in opening up with their fellow man — and they think this should be available to everyone.
As their network grows, more men are joining, many of which are being supported to bring their own ideas into action — funding events, activities, and counselling offers in a friendly, non-judgemental environment.
Every donation, no matter the size, brings Matt and Jamie closer to breaking the record — and helps fund Menfulness's work supporting men across the UK. Donations are handled securely through JustGiving.
Donate on JustGivingYou'll be taken to justgiving.com to complete your donation securely.
Backing the Challenge
A welcoming lawn bowls club based in Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire, providing the stage for this record attempt. The club hosts high-quality outdoor greens and a friendly community for bowlers of all ages.
The EBUA is the unified governing body for qualified Bowls Umpires in England. With over 500 members, they provide the independent verification and timekeeping required by Guinness World Records.
Nottinghamshire EBUA representative and umpire, Kirsty is organising all the officiating for the event — ensuring the attempt meets every Guinness World Records requirement. She'll be joined by her son Harry Atkin, an England bowler who turns 25 on the Sunday of the attempt — making it a weekend to remember for the whole family.
Head of Foundation at Fortus, Voluntary Trustee at Menfulness, and Player Welfare Manager at York Knights & Newcastle Thunder. Matty brings expertise and deep passion for men's wellbeing to the challenge.
Get Involved
The Endless Game is bigger than two people on a green. We're looking for media partners, volunteers, and sponsors to help make the attempt — and the coverage around it — as big as possible.
Media
Press & Coverage
We'd love to speak with journalists, podcasters, and content creators covering sport, endurance, or men's mental health. We can arrange interviews, provide photography, and offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access on the day.
media@theendlessgame.co.ukVolunteers
Join the Team
We need people on the ground throughout the attempt — helping with marshalling, witness duties, timekeeping, catering, social media, and keeping morale high through the night. Any hours, any skills welcome.
volunteer@theendlessgame.co.ukSponsors
Back the Attempt
We're looking for businesses who want to associate their brand with a Guinness World Record attempt and a cause that matters. Logo placement, social mentions, and on-site presence available. Let's talk about what works for you.
sponsor@theendlessgame.co.uk