A group of six determined women are setting out to establish a world record for the most push-ups completed in a 4-hour relay, marking the first-ever attempt by an all-female team. The record-setting event will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday at Iron Jungle and features participants Maliyah Taylor, Helah Pettigrew, Megan Durham, Heather Grose, Breanna Alderton, and Sarah Hayden.
Bob O’Brien, who has taken on a coaching role for the group, explained the unique challenge ahead of them.
“There has never been a team of women doing a 4-hour relay,” O’Brien said. “The maximum number of participants allowed for this type of relay is 1-, but we only have six. There is no current record, and we haven’t really picked a number of pushups to shoot for, but I know every lady will do over 1,200 push-ups. There are no alternates — everybody’s doing push-ups.”
The six women, each coming from different fitness backgrounds, have been training rigorously for months to prepare for the attempt.
Pettigrew, a self-described 50-year-old fitness guru, certified personal trainer, and bodybuilder, sees the event as an opportunity to inspire others.
“I wanted to be part of this group to inspire and motivate my fellow peers and show them age is nothing but a number,” Pettigrew said. “Eight years ago, I made the decision to join the gym and prioritize my physical and mental health. This decision proved to be life-changing as it helped me cope with a narcissistic and mentally abusive relationship. It improved my mental well-being, ignited my passion for fitness, and revealed my true purpose.”
For Pettigrew, the discipline, consistency, and dedication she’s gained from her fitness lifestyle have made preparing for this record-breaking event easy.
“Ultimately, my goal is to promote the importance of self-care and taking care of our bodies, regardless of age, circumstances, or limitations,” she said. “I hope to inspire others to prioritize their physical and mental well-being and find joy in living a healthy lifestyle.”
Durham was introduced to the group by Hayden.
“I’m always up for another challenge to help hold myself accountable for workouts,” Durham said. “Once I figured out what I was getting myself into, I knew I wanted to help our group be the first to set a record like this. The six of us have been incredibly devoted to accomplishing this record. Meeting weekly with this group to train has been more than just a way to get physically stronger. I honestly feel like it has made me a better person by being around each other and being coached by OB.”
Durham’s journey into fitness began early, as she has been involved in sports since she was 4 years old. After playing collegiate softball and lifting weights for the past 15 years, she is no stranger to pushing her limits.
“If you would’ve told me we would be doing over 1,000 push-ups each during our training when we started this, I would have never believed it, but here we are,” she said. “Anyone can accomplish something like this if you commit yourself to pushing past what you think you can do.”
Grose initially joined the group without fully understanding the scope of the challenge.
“My friend Helah asked me if I wanted to come do some push-ups with a group of women, and I was like sure,” Grose said. “Then I found out what we were actually doing. At first, I was not sure if I could do it, but I wanted to challenge myself, so I kept going to practices.”
Grose, who has been exercising on and off for 30 years, finds her motivation in her family.
“My main goal is about my son and grandson,” she said. “I want them to be proud of me for being part of the group of women that set a world record. They know how much I love Wonder Woman, and I want to be theirs.”
For Alderton, the opportunity to set a world record alongside a supportive group was too good to pass up.
“Coach O’Brien is one of the most influential people in my life, and he is the one who inspired me to be a part of this world record group,” Alderton said. “I used to struggle with a lot of self-doubt, but coach taught me that anything is possible that I set my mind to. Without him, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Alderton, a former competitive distance runner, found fitness as a means of coping with personal challenges, including an eating disorder in high school.
“Coach O’Brien taught me the true purpose of running and what it means to be strong,” she said. “Now, I have a healthy love for fitness and want to become as strong as I possibly can, both mentally and physically.”
Hayden is no stranger to pushing physical limits.
“I’ve always been drawn to physical extremes,” she said. “The human body is amazing and has far more potential than most of us will ever know. Fitness has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and seeing how much I can do in one day has always been thrilling to me.”
For Hayden, the journey to the record attempt has been about more than just the physical challenge; it’s also been an opportunity to model resilience and strength for her children.
“Myself, along with three others in the group, are mothers. Moms are geared to put their children first,” she said. “I think this has been a very positive way for us moms to show our kids and peers that taking time to make yourself better and stronger, both mentally and physically, is not at all selfish, but a necessity.”
The women’s collective effort is not just about setting a record; it’s about proving that no matter their age, background, or circumstances, they can achieve greatness through discipline and mutual support.
Hayden summed up the group’s mission perfectly: “Keep pushing, keep moving, and keep grinding every single day that you can.”
Taylor was unable to be reached prior to publication.
