A Nigerian woman, Habibat Salawudeen Ihiovi-Jack, has completed a 144-hour Guinness World Record attempt for the longest marathon reading of the Holy Bible.
Habibat finished the six-day challenge on Monday after reading continuously under Guinness World Records guidelines, which permit only limited breaks for essential needs.
Tagged “144 Hours in the Word,” the attempt was designed to encourage deeper engagement with Scripture and inspire believers to strengthen their commitment to Bible study.
The record attempt began on June 22 at the Novotel in Port Harcourt under official Guinness World Records regulations, which require participants to read aloud continuously while observing only limited breaks.
Habitat, a member of Summit Bible Church, Port Harcourt, completed the reading marathon on June 29.
Videos shared by friends and supporters on Instagram showed the reader standing at a lectern while digital timers tracked her progress throughout the challenge.
According to organisers, the journey to the record attempt began in June 2022 following years of preparation marked by consistency, endurance and devotion.
The marathon attracted support from family members, friends, church members and other well-wishers, turning the event into both an endurance challenge and a public expression of faith.
Her Senior Pastor, Dr Andy Osakwe of Summit Bible Churches Worldwide, described the exercise as more than an attempt to set a world record.
He said it was “a spiritual project designed to exalt God’s Word and inspire believers.”
Habibat’s attempt follows the recognition of Nigerian Samson Ajao by Guinness World Records in 2024 for the world’s longest marathon reading aloud.
The Ibadan-born reader set a new record after reading continuously for 215 hours, surpassing the previous mark of 124 hours established by Kyrgyzstan’s Rysbai Isakov in 2022.
Habibat’s 144-hour attempt will now undergo the official Guinness World Records verification process before any record can be confirmed.
