From Sumo Wrestling to Running: 400-Pound Man Completes L.A. Marathon

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Former sumo wrestler Kelly Gneiting poses before a training session for the U.S. Sumo Open. Weighing in at 400 pounds, Gneiting is the largest person to ever compete the L.A. marathon.

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It took nine hours, 48 minutes and 52 seconds, but former sumo wrestler Kelly Gneiting succeeded in crossing the finish line at the L.A. Marathon on Sunday — and earned his spot in the record books.

Gneiting, 40, loving refers to himself as “The Fat Man,” weighing in at 400 pounds with a 60-inch waist. But despite his size, Gneiting was able to endure the 26.2-mile course in the pouring rain to become the heaviest person to ever complete the race.

By alternating jogging and running, the former national champion sumo wrestler also finished at a personal best time. In 2008, he completed the L.A. marathon in 11 hours, 48 minutes and 16 seconds.

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Guinness world records is currently reviewing Gneiting’s results to see if he indeed earned his place in the history books, but either way, The Fat Man is happy with his results, telling The L.A. Times, “I did it, but it was hell. Pure hell.”

And he’s not stopping with this feat. Next up, Gneiting hopes to swim the English Channel, play for the Philadelphia Eagles and hike from the Dead Sea to Mt. Everest.  (via The L.A. Times)

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