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# Local firefighters aim for world records in Ipswich Half Marathon charity challenge
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/firefighters-aim-for-world-records-in-ipswich-half-marathon-charity-challenge/
- Published: 2024-09-20T12:37:35.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:35:01.000Z
- Description: Four Suffolk firefighters are set to attempt three world records at the Ipswich Half Marathon on September 22nd, raising money for charity while running in full firefighting gear.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Grants, Donations & Fundraising, Events & Things To Do, Changemakers, #article, Suffolk Fire & Rescue Service (SFRS), Firefighters Charity, #Import 2026-03-16 14:46

**Why it matters:** The firefighters aim to raise £10,000 for the [Fire Fighters Charity](https://www.ipswich.co.uk/tag/fire-fighters-charity/) and Cancer Research UK, honouring colleagues who have died from or are living with cancer.

![Firefighters George Trott, left, Grant Whitehead, Councillor Steve Wiles, Crew Manager Paul Shattock, and Firefighter Ashley Buxton](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1722596302-suffolk-fire-and-rescue-service-1-1.jpg)

Firefighters Ashley Buxton, left, George Trott, Councillor Steve Wiles, Firefighter Grant Whitehead, and Crew Manager Paul Shattock (SFRS)

**Key details:**

- Crew Manager Paul Shattock of the Bury St Edmunds station will run in full protective equipment and breathing apparatus, aiming to set a record in a new category.
- Firefighters Grant Whitehead and George Trott of the Ipswich East station are targeting the record for running a half-marathon in full firefighting kit with breathing apparatus, currently 3 hours 10 minutes.
- Firefighter Ashley Buxton, also of the Ipswich East station, will run in a physical training kit with a breathing apparatus, aiming to beat the current record of 2 hours and 21 minutes.

**By the numbers:**

- Full firefighting kit weighs around 45kg (100lbs)
- Fully-charged breathing apparatus weighs about 12kg (26lbs)

**What they're saying:** Sally Hammond, Suffolk Fire and Rescue's group manager: "They have been working so hard for this, these records are tough but with the dedication and training they have put in I am sure they can do it."

Councillor Steve Wiles, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for public protection: "Hats off to these firefighters, they have set themselves a phenomenal challenge and I know they will give it their best shot."

**How to help:** Donations can be made via the team's Just Giving page at [www.justgiving.com/team/sfrsworldrecord](http://www.justgiving.com/team/sfrsworldrecord?ref=ipswich.co.uk)

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