5 College Runners Chase World Record in Caterpillar Costume

Five former Anderson University cross-country runners are taking their teamwork to a whole new level by running 13.1 miles stuffed inside a caterpillar costume.

Zach Burton, Kaid Hutchinson, Zachary Davenport, Ian Leatherman, and Kaleb Gucinski will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon in a five-person costume at the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis. The current record stands at 1:48:59, and this tight-knit group thinks they can beat it.

This isn't their first rodeo in a ridiculous outfit. Four of the five runners already hold a Guinness World Record for the fastest half marathon in a four-person costume, finishing the Geist Half Marathon in Fishers in 1:29:16 while dressed as a caterpillar. With Gucinski joining as the fifth segment this year, they're literally adding another piece to their winning formula.

Their secret weapon? Years of running in perfect sync during their college days. That hard-earned coordination gives them a serious advantage when attempting something as absurd as sprinting while physically connected to four other people inside a fabric tube.

Why This Inspires

What makes this story shine isn't just the silliness of watching grown athletes waddle down the street in a bug costume. It's the reminder that friendship, teamwork, and not taking yourself too seriously can turn an ordinary race into something memorable for everyone watching.

"We can't wait to bring some laughs to the best race in Indy," Burton said. The team understands their attempt will brighten the day for thousands of spectators lining the course, proving that chasing your goals can also lift others up.

Independent filmmaker Jack Lugar, a professor at Anderson University, will document their journey. Whether they break the record or not, they're already winning by showing that the bonds formed through college sports can last well beyond graduation day.

Sometimes the best records aren't just about speed but about running together toward something joyful.