What Is Joggling?
You’ve heard of jogging. You’ve probably seen juggling. But have you ever heard of joggling?
This niche yet demanding sport combines running with juggling three or more objects, and Canadian athlete Michael Bergeron just made history by breaking the Guinness World Record for the fastest 10-kilometer joggle. His time? 34 minutes and 47 seconds, beating the previous record by 1 minute and 40 seconds.
Michael Bergeron’s Record-Breaking Run
Bergeron, a runner from Prince Edward Island, has been chasing this milestone for years. In 2018, he unofficially beat the then-record of 36 minutes and 27 seconds with a time of 35:36, but a technicality—running on an uncertified course—disqualified his attempt.
This time, he left no room for error. Racing on a certified track at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place, Bergeron pushed through exhaustion to secure his place in the record books.
“I broke the record by 1:40, so it feels pretty good. Now, I just hope Guinness recognizes it,” Bergeron told SaltWire. “I feel exhausted, my feet are hurting, but super happy.”
A Community Effort
Bergeron didn’t do it alone. His wife, Jennie Orr, and fellow runners Vincent Merriam and Mike Peterson tracked his laps, while supporters from 15 different running groups cheered him on.
“Michael is very fluid and just runs with everybody. He’s a really easy guy to like and run with,” Peterson said.
Orr, who witnessed Bergeron’s 2018 disqualification, was confident in his success this time: “He’s got this 100 percent. I have no doubts.”
Not His First Joggling Record
Bergeron is no stranger to extreme athletic feats. In 2018, he set the world record for the fastest half-marathon while juggling (21.1 km) at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, finishing in 1 hour and 17 minutes.
Why Joggling Is More Than a Gimmick
At first glance, joggling might seem like a quirky sideshow, but it demands serious skill:
- Coordination: Maintaining rhythm while juggling at a runner’s pace.
- Endurance: Running a 10K at a sub-5:30/mile pace is tough—doing it while juggling is next-level.
- Mental Focus: One dropped ball can cost precious seconds.
What’s Next for Bergeron?
With Guinness World Records verification pending, Bergeron’s achievement could inspire more athletes to take up joggling. For now, he’s celebrating—and maybe icing his feet.
