A mother of three from Arkansas is expected to become a world record holder after running a half marathon in 1 hour, 21 minutes and 23 seconds.
Julia Webb, the mother, ran the Route 66 Half Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Nov. 24 while pushing her youngest daughter, 10-month-old Gabby, in a stroller.
Webb, 36, additionally won the female division of the half marathon — beating her nearest competitor by just two minutes.
Webb had her husband who is a running coach at the University of Arkansas, capture photos and videos throughout the half-marathons he could provide evidence to Guinness World Records that she ran the whole Route 66 race with a stroller.
According to a spokeswoman for Guinness World Records, they confirmed that Webb has in fact submitted for an application for the Guinness World Records title “fastest half marathon pushing a pram (female).” And within the next 12 weeks, the application will be reviewed and ruled on.
Currently, the world record in the category stands at 1 hour, 27 minutes and 34 seconds and was set by mother, Lindsy James, in the U.K. in the year of 2016.
A collegiate runner, Web did suffer an injury while she was pregnant with her oldest daughter and was not sure she would be able to keep running at a competitive level. She did eventually recover and then began to train with her daughter in her stroller, something that she would continue to do with her next two kids.
“That’s how I started running with my kids, with strollers, so I thought it’d be fun to get out there and inspire other moms,” shared Webb. “I hope I encourage moms to get outside and to continue to do what they love.”
Webb is also a mother of a 4-year-old and a 7-year-old, all girls.
And while Webb awaits the decision from Guinness World Records, set on running in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon in Atlanta in February.
Webb revealed she qualified for the trials during a marathon she ran while around five weeks pregnant with Gabby.
“Some women might fear that if they have children it will hinder their ability to accomplish goals, but I really believe if it’s something you love to do you can involve your whole family in it,” she said. “If I didn’t have running I wouldn’t be as good of a mom. The more I compete, the more joy I get and the more joy it brings to my children.”
In addition, Webb shared a few stroller running tips that any parents could use — be a former athlete or an aspiring bit.
“I see a lot of people trying to push the stroller with both hands and I think it’s best to push with one hand so you can use your other arm to help you run more efficiently,” she said. “And don’t overthink it.”
And last but certainly not least, Webb also suggests to bring snacks.
“I bring snacks and my phone in case I get a flat tire but other than that just get out and enjoy yourself out there,” Webb said.