On October 11, 2025, Mathieu Young set out to break a unique Guinness World Record: the fastest 10K run while carrying a 40-lb pack.
But beyond the pace, this was a mission fueled by meaning.
A tribute from the heart
The weight he carried was in memory of his father, who passed away at 49 after battling a degenerative bone disease. In 2015, he survived a suicide attempt. Mathieu’s challenge was born out of that grief — but also a desire to turn pain into purpose.
More than just physical
The 40 lbs weren’t just a pack — they were a symbol of the mental burden so many carry in silence. With every stride, Mathieu showed that no matter how heavy life gets, we can keep moving forward.
The path before the race
This wasn’t his first attempt. After a failed run in 2023 and a stress fracture in 2024, Mathieu came back stronger than ever. His story reminds us that setbacks are not the end — they’re just part of the journey.
And the result?
He didn’t hit the time, but what he achieved goes far beyond numbers.
Real impact
$ 5,425 was raised for suicide prevention and arthritis research — two causes deeply connected to Mathieu’s story, and to many others.