Fort Cavazos captain breaks Guinness World Record

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas (KWTX) — U.S. Army Capt. Travis Chewning-Kulick broke a Guinness World Record by running a mile in a 50-pound bomb suit in 7 minutes and 4 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 7:24.21, according to a statement from Fort Cavazos.

“Coming into today, I was a little nervous,” Chewning-Kulick said. “I am an avid runner. I run all the time. That gets your fitness up, but knowing what it feels like to have that helmet bouncing around on your head or the giant plate in the front is probably one of the most important things.”

The event took place at Phantom Warrior Stadium on April 25, with Chewning-Kulick’s fellow soldiers, including his EOD team and leadership from Fort Cavazos, there to support him, the news release shared.

Among the supporters, the statement adds, was 1st Sgt. Edwin Vazquez, who participated in a bomb suit relay race before the record-breaking attempt. He said the goal was to “feel and experience what he was going to experience.”

“After I did a half-mile in the bomb suit, I was intimidated. I was like, ‘He’s going to do a mile in how fast?’” Vazquez said.

Vazquez, a senior enlisted EOD leader, saw the milestone as more than just a physical accomplishment.

“I think this sends the message that fitness matters. If you stay at peak performance, then you can not only do things like this, but you can go out there and do an excellent EOD job,” he said.

Chewning-Kulick’s record-breaking run is awaiting official verification by Guinness World Records, a process expected to take up to six months, according to the statement.

Still, he said he is grateful for completing the challenge.

“I was really appreciative of all the people who came out to support me,” Chewning-Kulick said. “They really got me through it.”