Army Officer Aims to Break Marathon Record While Carrying 25kg Fridge.

A UK Army officer based at Bulford Camp on Salisbury Plain prepares to take on a unique challenge at the 2025 TCS London Marathon. Major Joss Mowforth, 32, plans to carry a 25kg fridge throughout the marathon to break the record for the fastest time completing the distance with such a load. The current record, 3 hours, 53 minutes, and 14 seconds, was set by a Finnish runner in May 2024 and narrowly surpassed the previous mark from 2023, held by a Royal Marine.

Originally from Scotland, Mowforth has served in the Army for ten years. While the record is a goal, he is clear that the primary focus of his effort is to raise £2,500 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

“This is a demanding challenge, but the real motivation is to support SSAFA’s work with veterans, serving personnel, and their families,” he said.

Raising Funds and Awareness

SSAFA has assisted members of the Armed Forces community since 1885, offering both practical and emotional support. In 2022, the charity supported more than 59,000 individuals, addressing various needs.

“Behind every uniform is a person with specific challenges,” Mowforth said. “SSAFA’s work ensures no one in the Armed Forces community is left unsupported.”

Training with a Fridge

Mowforth has been training on Salisbury Plain and surrounding areas, balancing his Army responsibilities with a structured running program. Adding the 25kg fridge requires adjustments in technique and endurance, with wind resistance posing a notable challenge.

“The fridge acts like a sail, which makes running more difficult, especially in windy conditions,” he explained.

Despite these challenges, Mowforth has run a half-marathon at the required pace and feels cautiously optimistic about his chances.

An Unconventional Piece of Equipment

The fridge, a standard 25kg appliance, was sourced through his Army connections. “It was being discarded but was still functional, which is a requirement for the record,” Mowforth noted.

The effort has drawn interest from passersby during his training sessions, with reactions ranging from curiosity to encouragement.

Looking Ahead

Mowforth has been documenting his preparations on Instagram under the handle @the_london_fridge, where supporters can follow his progress. Donations can be made via his fundraising page, with proceeds going directly to SSAFA.

The 2025 TCS London Marathon, scheduled for 27 April, will be the culmination of months of preparation. Whether or not the record is achieved, Mowforth’s effort aims to highlight SSAFA’s work and provide valuable support to the Armed Forces community.

Support SSAFA and Follow the Journey

To contribute to Joss Mowforth’s fundraising effort, visit his donation page. Progress updates can be found on Instagram @the_london_fridge.