Durand native ‘strolls’ to Guinness world record

Durand native ‘strolls’ to Guinness world record
Rachel (Brubaker) Bowling overcomes sprained ankle to achieve feat
By Doug Schroder
EDITOR
Many area residents remember Durand native Rachel (Brubaker) Bowling when she was a runner in high school taking state medals home in both Cross Country and Track. Those same residents might also recall Bowling’s time as a runner for Bradley University where she lettered in Cross Country.
Bowling can now add another item on her list of running accomplishments as she is set to be ordained by Guinness World Records as the fastest woman in the world to run a 10K race while pushing a double stroller.
Now 30 years old and a resident of Ridgeland, S.C., with her husband, Zachary, and two daughters – Addy, 3, and Autumn, 1 – Bowling entered the LowCountry Habitat for Humanity’s resolution run on Datah Island on Jan. 12 and finished with a time of 43:24.55. That bettered the previous record by a little over two minutes. Jocelyn Armitage of Blackpool, England set the previous record on July 8, 2018.
“I didn’t want to just beat the record. I really wanted to make it harder for someone who tries to break the record after me,” stated Bowling.
The race didn’t start well for Bowling. A sprained ankle incurred in the days leading up to the race had already hobbled her. Then in the first mile the stroller was tracking to one side, which caused her to stop four times to adjust the wheel, causing her to fall off pace She would make up the time in the next mile.
As she settled into a rhythm the ankle loosened up a bit and the adrenaline kicked in.
“I couldn’t feel the pain anymore after I got running,” Bowling said.
Bowling’s brother, Daniel Brubaker, 22, rode his bicycle next to the running mom to take photo and video evidence for Guinness World Records.
“It was definitely a family affair. They were so motivational during the run, just pushing me and cheering me on.” Bowling exclaimed.
The whole process started when Bowling saw an article in Runner’s World magazine where a mom raced with a triple stroller, and she wanted to try it with her girls. She researched a good stroller to use for runners and came up with the BOB Revolution Duallie. The course and stroller had to be approved by Guiness.
She applied for the record in September. It will be another three months at least before she gets confirmation.
Breaking the record has brought much attention to Bowling as her story has been covered by ABC News, Good Morning America and People magazine.
“I never expected the coverage. I didn’t do it for the publicity. It’s been a whirlwind,” said Bowling.
Bowling visits back home in Durand often.
“Thanks to everyone for all the support in high school, college and beyond. I’m grateful to part of northern Illinois,” said Bowling.
Although Bowling considers this the pinnacle of her running career, she’s not done with running yet.
“I’m in the best shape in my life, better than high school. I plan on doing a half marathon with the stroller for a record in April,” said Bowling.
Best of luck Rachel, the folks back home look forward to hearing about it.