Gary MacAlister is looking to break a Guinness World Record for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance in May – dressed as the Charity’s helicopter.
The 46-year-old is aiming to claim the record for the fastest male to complete a half marathon dressed as a three-dimensional aircraft. The time to beat is two hours, eight minutes and 36 seconds, set by Matt Wood for London Air Ambulance in February 2024.
Gary will attempt the feat at the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday 11 May 2025 dressed as Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance’s helicopter – an outfit that has been dubbed the ‘Garycopter’.
“I know I can comfortably run a half marathon in less than [the record time], but it’s different in a costume, so hopefully it won’t slow me down too much,” said Gary.
“The costume is really comfortable, it’s quite light to run in. So I’m fairly confident I should be able to do it.”
Gary works as quality and safety manager for Steve Vick International Ltd, who have thrown their support behind his challenge. The Bradford-on-Avon based company – with over 100 staff – manufacture products and provide services for trenchless repair of pipes and voids.
Gary added, “I’m proud to work for a company that supports so many local charities and Steve Vick has been great in backing this challenge.
“We’re very lucky that we’ve got our own sewing room and the company has allowed our sewing technician, Alice Foley, the opportunity to spend 40 hours making the costume for us. Steve also provided all of the fabrics and pipework inside it; we’ve not had to buy anything, it’s all come off the shelves.”
Gary, from Trowbridge, is aiming to raise £2,000 for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity in the process of his world record attempt.
“I’ve been part of Trowbridge Rugby Club for a long time, so I’ve seen the helicopter land there, and I also have a colleague at work who has needed the air ambulance for both of his children over the years. Although I’ve not needed Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, I know so many people who have and it’s a vital part of the community it serves.
“We know everyone needs money at the moment as times are tough, but for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance, all of their funding comes from donations, so hopefully my challenge will help raise awareness and vital funds.”
Fraser Normington, fundraising manager for the Charity, commented, “We always enjoy hearing about the many wonderful ways in which people look to fundraise and support our lifesaving work, and Gary’s world record in May is right up there with the best.
“We can’t wait to see the Garycopter winding its way through the streets of Bristol and we will be keeping our fingers crossed that Gary secures that world record.”
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity provides vital critical medical care by land and air, across Wiltshire and Bath. In 2025, the Charity celebrates its 35th anniversary.
If you would like to support Gary’s challenge and world record bid, visit his Just Giving page – justgiving.com/page/garycopter.
