This UNILAG Student Just Set A New Guinness World Record For Longest Catwalk By A Model

Ololade Ayelabola has made history after she set a new Guinness World Record for the longest catwalk walked by a model completing a 130.62km catwalk.

Ayelabola, a 500-level Computer Science student at the University of Lagos began a 120km attempt on October 1 at the indoor sports centre of UNILAG to break a world record set by Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt, who walked 114.4 km (71.1 miles) in Dublin Ireland on September 21, 1983.

She not only set a new record, she also completed an additional 10km walk, totaling 2,058 laps which ended on October 5. A key highlight throughout her work was Ayelabola modelling outfits by Nigerian designers ranging from casual to traditional attires.

For Ololade Ayelabola, the catwalk was beyond breaking a record. Her goal was to challenge stereotypes and encourage diversity in the fashion business.  She decided to start her platform where all models may shine, regardless of their appearance after being rejected from fashion shows because of her height.

“I’m not walking for myself alone,” she said. “I’m walking for the many models who have been limited by stereotypes and standards set by rigid systems. I’m also walking to showcase the creativity of the Nigerian fashion industry.”

Taking to Instagram, to announce the monumental feat, she wrote: “I did it, everyone! My record is set. There were difficulties but I stood through it. There were pains but I refused to cower.

“Thank you for helping me do this. Thank you @unilagnigeria @esdcunilag. Thank you my beautiful models. Thank you to everyone on my team. I am grateful for it all. Thank you, Nigeria.” 

The record body is yet to confirm or verify Ayelabola’s feat.

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