Savannah Wild will attempt to set a 50 kilometre barefoot run record in Vernon on May 18 (Image Credit: Savannah Wild)

By Liam Verster

Guiness Record Attempt

Local runner will try to break barefoot run record in Vernon

Apr 13, 2026 | 11:06 AM

A local runner will take her sneakers off and attempt to set a new world record in Vernon.

Savannah Wild of Kelowna will be trying to break the world record when she runs 50 kilometres barefoot at the Vernon Athletic Park on May 18.

Speaking with Vernon Matters, Wild said she had previously done a 500 kilometre run barefoot in support of a charity that helps people in Uganda, and found that doing so attracted a lot of attention. She was then in an accident where she was struck by a vehicle while cycling, and after recovering from that she decided to find a way to “write that full circle moment,” at which point she found out that the barefoot 50 km run was a goal she could achieve.

“The goal is to finish it in about five and a half or six hours, that would be good,” Wild said, noting an exact record to beat was not exactly clear.

“[Guinness World Records] just told me I have to be under seven hours. I looked up the record and either somebody did it in a real quiet way and no one knows about it, but I just have to break it in seven hours is what Guinness has told me. So that’s what I’m going for.”

Septic System Setbacks

Public hearing to discuss regulations around septic tanks in Coldstream

Apr 10, 2026

Health Care

New maternity care clinic open in Vernon

Apr 10, 2026

Labour Force Stats

Regional unemployment on the rise

Apr 10, 2026

She decided to attempt to break this record in Vernon as the track at the Parkinson Recreation area was inaccessible due to ongoing construction.

Wild said doing the run on the crushed-rubber surface of the track at the Vernon Athletic Park which she said is not her preferred choice, but would still work for this record breaking attempt.

“In some ways [the track surface is] nice as it’s got a little bit of give to it,” Wild told Vernon Matters.

“My last barefoot, the 500 km that I did, I acquired serious stress fractures that turned into complete breaks in my feet. So I’m looking forward to the fact that a track is a little bit more forgiving than cement.

“I think, structurally on my feet, it’s phenomenal, but the surface is a lot more textured than a smoothly paved road. So we’ll just have to see how the skin holds up.”

She also said doing the run at the track would make it easier for her to take quick breaks to refuel with snacks and drinks and bandages, though noted those would be quick pit stops as the clock would still be running during those periods.

Wild did warn that the run could leave her feet bloody and gory, but was still determined to make the attempt.

As it is a world record breaking attempt the run has to have witnesses, be timed by at least two clocks, be done on a certified course, be recorded in its entirety, and be open to the public. Wild had already secured her witnesses and film plans, and encouraged people to come out and cheer her on.

Her run will begin at 8 a.m. Monday, May 18.

by Liam Verster

View Comments