As the Buffalo Bandits won their third straight National Lacrosse League (NLL) title on Saturday night, one fan celebrated by parading through the city in full equipment on Sunday morning—setting a Guinness World Record in the process.
Brian Goldsmith, a 39-year-old from Irving, Texas, suited up in full lacrosse gear: helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, stick and all, crossing the finish line in 1:29:57. Not only did he place 57th out of 2,800 runners, he also shattered the previous Guinness World Record for fastest half marathon in lacrosse equipment by almost 14 minutes.
Although lacrosse gear is designed for movement and protection, it isn’t necessarily light. The gear typically adds an extra 10-15 lbs to a player.
Goldsmith’s run wasn’t just for the Guinness World Records books. He used the occasion to raise funds for the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, aiming for a US$5,000 goal.
This isn’t his first record-breaking run in full gear. In 2023, Goldsmith clocked 3:29:30 at the BMW Dallas Marathon, wearing full football pads. Goldsmith is a former collegiate football and lacrosse player who now works in ticket sales for the Arlington Renegades of the UFL. Last month, he ran 77 laps around Dallas’s American Airlines Center (home of the Dallas Stars and Mavericks) as a fundraiser for the Luka Dončić Foundation after the team traded their longtime superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis.
When asked why he takes on these ridiculous sports challenges, Goldsmith said it’s all about tackling challenges that get people laughing, and donating (of course). “If it makes someone smile and support a good cause, it’s worth it.”
As for the Bandits? They crushed the Saskatchewan Rush 15–6 on Saturday night to lock up their third straight NLL title.
