Which Bowler Has the Longest Run Up in Cricket?

While fast bowlers are known for taking long run-ups to build momentum, Surrey cricketer Sam Bodoano took the concept to an extreme level by running 100 kilometres (62 miles) before delivering a single ball. Dressed in full cricket whites and clutching a leather ball the entire way, Bodoano set off from Lord’s Cricket Ground in London right after day three of England’s Test match against Pakistan.

Pushing through exhaustion, sleep deprivation, and a 14-hour overnight trek that saw him vlog his journey, and even bump into a lamppost at 5:00 AM, he reached Valley End Cricket Club in Surrey to bowl his record-setting delivery to his own father.

Which Cricketer Has Longest Run Up in Cricket?

Inspired by previous record holder Tom Dunn, who ran 15 miles (24km) (Current Guinness World Record Holder) from Bethnal Green to Wandsworth Common in August 2024, Bodoano decided to quadruple the distance to support a cause close to his heart. His marathon effort raised nearly £6,000 for The Ruth Strauss Foundation, a cancer support charity which is run by one of the greatest Test players in the world, Andrew Strauss. Accompanied by a dedicated support team and friends, Bodoano documented the entire ordeal online, sharing updates from London Bridge at the 10km mark through to his early-morning struggles.

Under Guinness World Records guidelines, the attempt required strict compliance: Bodoano had to wear full cricket whites, carry the ball throughout the 100km journey, and immediately play in an official match with umpires, scorers, and two full 11 teams. Upon reaching Valley End Cricket Club in Woking on Sunday, he delivered the opening ball directly to his father, who was waiting at the crease.

Although Bodoano completed the tough run and played the match afterwards, Guinness World Records is still reviewing his achievement. The standard verification process takes two weeks, after which his record can be officially recognised. The remarkable feat has also added a new dimension to the discussion around the bowler with longest run up in cricket.