A woman hoping to bag the Guinness World Record for fastest marathon run by a woman in a nurse's outfit has been denied her crown due to wearing scrubs instead of a dress.
Jessica Anderson, who works at the Royal London Hospital, was hoping to be the quickest woman to complete the 26.2 mile race dressed as a nurse, but missed out on the record.
Even though she crossed the finish line in 3 hours, 8 minutes and 22 seconds, which is faster than the current record-holder, officials at Guinness say Jessica's attempt won't count because she was wearing scrubs with trousers.
The organisation, which lists human achievements, has strict rules which state that a nurse's uniform must contain a blue or white dress with a pinafore apron and a traditional nurses cap.
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Guinness World Records say this is because Jessica's scrubs are too similar to the fancy dress requirements needed for the doctor version of the record.
Speaking to Runner's World, the nurse called the requirements for nurses "outdated".
"I was quite taken aback when I read that they'd rejected my application," she said. "Some of the nurses I work with do wear dresses, but mostly we wear scrubs or a tunic and trousers."
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However, now Guinness World Records have said they will review her case after an online backlash.
The official account tweeted: "We're aware of the news surrounding Jessica Anderson's attempt for the fastest marathon dressed a nurse at this year's London Marathon. We will be reviewing this record as a priority over the coming days."
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In an official statement posted on the Guinness World Records website, Senior Vice President Samantha Fay, said: "Guinness World Records takes the matters of equality and inclusiveness very seriously.
"I want to ensure all concerned that we have recognised the need for an immediate review of this attempt and the fastest marathon dressed as a nurse category and associated guidelines which we will begin as a priority.
"We are also committed to consistent reviews of all record categories to ensure they reflect the world we live in today."
If her record is later accepted, Jessica could see her name in the book which is published yearly, but only by the skin of her teeth.
The official world record for a woman running a marathon in a nurse's uniform is held by Sarah Dudgeon, who set a time of 3 hours, 8 minutes and 54 seconds in 2015.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Life News
