BELLINGHAM, Wash. – While we were sweating through Tuesday’s warm weather, a Western Washington University student-athlete was REALLY sweating – and setting a world record.
James Jasperson took to the track at the Wade King Rec Center in an attempt to break the world record for a mile run in full fire fighting gear, including Self Contained Breathing Apparatus.
He not only broke the record, but he also smashed it, running a mile in 6:33.28; more than three minutes faster than the previous record.
The member of Western’s track and field and the cross country team also set a world record of 5:51.4 for running a mile in gear minus the breathing pack and mask.
James is a paid volunteer for South Whatcom Fire and he also ran to benefit Four Season Fighters, which helps firefighters, police officers and veterans whose lives have been altered by their service.
