A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, has completed a 144-hour attempt to set a new Guinness World Record for the longest marathon reading of the Holy Bible.
The six-day endurance challenge, tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” concluded on Monday after Habibat read continuously from the Scriptures in accordance with Guinness World Records guidelines, which permit only limited breaks for essential needs.
According to videos shared by friends, supporters and church members on Instagram, the marathon was a faith-inspired initiative aimed at promoting deeper engagement with the Bible and encouraging Christians to cultivate a stronger commitment to personal Scripture study.
The record attempt reportedly followed years of preparation, with Habibat beginning the journey in June 2022 through consistent study, spiritual discipline and endurance training.
Throughout the challenge, she remained at a reading lectern while digital timers monitored her progress, as supporters gathered both physically and online to cheer her on and pray with her.
A member of Summit Bible Church in Port Harcourt, Habibat successfully completed the 144-hour reading on June 29, drawing widespread encouragement from family members, friends, fellow worshippers and well-wishers, who described the feat as a remarkable demonstration of faith, perseverance and dedication to God’s Word.
The attempt was conducted under Guinness World Records regulations, which allow participants only brief rest periods accumulated over the course of the challenge.
Habibat’s achievement comes less than two years after another Nigerian, Samson Ajao, was officially recognised by Guinness World Records for setting the longest marathon reading aloud.
The Ibadan-born reader established the record in 2024 after reading continuously for 215 hours, surpassing the previous mark of 124 hours set by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
Although Habibat completed the 144-hour challenge successfully, her performance is yet to receive official recognition, as Guinness World Records must review and verify all evidence submitted before confirming any new record.
If ratified, the feat will further highlight Nigeria’s growing presence in Guinness World Records endurance attempts while serving as an inspiration to Christians seeking to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the Scriptures.