Bal Joshi breaks world record after running 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents

North Texas runner sets Guinness World Record while honoring heritage in traditional Nepali clothing.

Bal Joshi has done more than finish the World Marathon Challenge — he has set a Guinness World Record.

The runner completed the 777 challenge, also known as the World Marathon Challenge, running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days. His cumulative time was just over 34 hours and 50 minutes when he crossed the final finish line in Miami.

“I'm still processing it. Did I actually do this?” Joshi said.

The grueling test of endurance began in Antarctica at negative 20 degrees and included a race in 106-degree heat in Perth, Australia. Joshi said the physical and mental demands pushed him to his limits, especially while averaging about three hours of sleep a day.

“My willpower is slightly more stronger than I thought it is,” Joshi said.

“Although it was 7 days, it feels like it was 7 years,” Joshi said. “We all need a constant reminder to tell ourselves, 'Hey, you can push one more time. That's when you go a little further.'”

As if the global marathon schedule was not challenging enough, Joshi added another personal test — completing each race while wearing traditional Nepali attire to honor his birthplace.

“It is not the kind of comfortable attire you like to have for your running or any sort of physical exercise,” Joshi said.

The accomplishment earned him a Guinness World Record.

“I am the fastest runner who ran 777 while wearing traditional attire,” Joshi said.

Joshi said Antarctica stood out among the seven continents.

“Antarctica was very divine, very godly,” Joshi said.

He said he was overcome with emotion during the journey.

“I was in tears several times on the run out of joy,” Joshi said. “There were so many people praying for my successful completion of this mission.”

Beyond the record, Joshi said he also raised money and awareness for a charitable cause on each continent.

Now, he is already looking ahead.

“I have not done a 100-mile race yet,” Joshi said.