P.E.I. man aims to break world record for ‘bizarre sport’ of joggling

Michael Bergeron does not need cake and presents for his thirty third birthday — he desires one other world report.

That is why in a few weeks, he’ll be making an attempt to interrupt a Guinness World Document by working 10 kilometres whereas juggling. That is proper — working and juggling.

“Once you’re working and juggling on the identical time, that’s what we name joggling,” stated Bergeron.

So, how does somebody turn into a joggler?

For Bergeron, it began in 2014, when a buddy challenged him to do that unusual sport. He did not assume a lot of it on the time, however a 12 months later he began working towards.

“I bought three balls, after which I simply went exterior and I attempted to stroll and juggle, then run and juggle,” Bergeron stated. “I began to get hooked on it.”

It wasn’t lengthy earlier than Bergeron started racing. He positioned fourth in a five-kilometre run in RisePEI, and fiftieth in a half marathon in Toronto — each accomplished whereas juggling. He acquired his first world report for the half marathon.

Bringing ‘leisure to the street’

Bergeron trains a number of occasions per week. Normally, he simply runs, however a couple of times per week he takes the juggling balls with him. 

Bergeron likes to observe joggling at Victoria Park in Charlottetown.

“I simply have a look at the surroundings, benefit from the view and attempt to wave at some automobiles that move by as a result of drivers at all times do a double [take],” he stated. “I believe there’s plenty of pleasure from the group after they see me do that weird sport.”

Bergeron stated the joggling group is sort of small, and virtually non-existent on the Island.

“It is a sport that is not taken severely by lots of people, but it surely’s a enjoyable option to deliver leisure to the street.”

Bergeron stated he has acquired plenty of help from the working group. He is been coaching with the UPEI cross nation workforce for the previous few months. On July tenth, he’ll be competing for a Guinness World Document on the college’s observe to rejoice his birthday.

Bergeron tried to finish the five- and 10-kilometre joggling report in 2018, and technically he held the report, for six months. However, the course he ran on was not licensed by Guinness World Data, so the report was rejected.

Climate worries

This time round, Bergeron is ensuring every thing is as much as the Guinness World Data requirements.

“To ensure that the report to rely, there must be a video from begin to end to be sure that I do not cheat,” he stated. “So too, for the report to rely, I have to be juggling your complete time for your complete 25 laps of the observe.”

Bergeron says he feels stronger and extra assured competing for the report this time round. However he has one concern.

“I am very harassed concerning the climate, so I do hope that July tenth can be a chilly day, not windy and no humidity. I believe that is going to be the one factor that may play an element in opposition to my time.”

Bergeron stated in addition to successful the report, he hopes this occasion will encourage individuals to get into working and present kids how enjoyable it may be.

Bergeson stated he has massive plans if he wins the report.

“I informed my buddy, ‘If I break the report that day, I’ll do one lap working with machetes,’ however that’s only for leisure functions.”