ST. GEORGE — Reading for Life Southern Utah is partnering with avid marathon runner and children’s book author, Hannah Holt, in her attempt to set the Guinness World Record for the fastest female marathon runner dressed as a book at the St. George Marathon on Saturday. Holt’s projected time is 5 hours, and she expects to cross the finish line at noon.
While Holt’s objective is to create a world record, her larger mission is building awareness around dyslexia, a learning disability that affects 1 in every 5 readers, according to a press release issued by Reading for Life Southern Utah. Holt spearheaded the idea to combine running a marathon with educating the public about dyslexia due to the lack of information and resources available.
Holt’s mission to raise awareness about this learning challenge led her to Reading for Life Southern Utah, an official charity of the St. George Marathon that focuses on developing resources for dyslexic readers in Southern Utah.
Holt’s Guinness World Record attempt coincides with October being National Dyslexia Awareness Month.
“At first, running a marathon in a costume seemed like a fun idea,” she said. “The more I think about it and prepare for it, the more I realize it’s probably going to be pretty miserable. Even so, anything that helps bring more awareness to Dyslexia is worth it!”
Holt is an award-winning children’s author and educator. She lives in Oregon with her husband, four children and a cat named Zephyr.
Reading for Life Southern Utah is a local nonprofit organization committed to creating a meaningful reading community for dyslexic readers in Washington County by creating and distributing resources to those who need them.
“We are proud to be part of Holt’s attempt at a record-setting achievement,” Reading for Life Southern Utah co-founder Melissa Miller said. “Her dedication and passion in the reading community is admirable and we are thrilled she is putting so much effort into bringing dyslexia to the forefront.”
Hannah Holt and Reading for Life Southern Utah will be present at a table at the St. George Marathon Fun Run Walk ‘N Roll event for kids at Vernon Worthen Park on Friday from 5-8 p.m., where families can stop by to meet Holt, see her costume, take a look at her books and receive information regarding Dyslexia and resources.
For information about Reading for Life Southern Utah and dyslexia resources, contact Angela MacKay at [email protected] or call 435-429-0936.