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Simon Fannon Breaks World Record for Marathon Knitting

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I’ve been writing about knitting long enough that I remember (and wrote about) when knitter David Babcock broke the world record for the longest scarf knit while running a marathon. I don’t know why this is a thing people would want to do or why there is an official record for it, but here we are.

He broke the record at the Kansas City marathon in 2014 with a scarf that was 12 feet, 1.75 inches long (that’s about 3.7 meters) and a run time of five hours, 48 minutes and 27 seconds. 

Over the weekend British knitter Simon Fannon shattered the record at the London Marathon, producing a scarf of 18 feet, three inches, or 5.59 meters in five hours, 48 minutes and 8 seconds. 

The Guinness world record website has already been updated to mark his record. 

Fannon is known online at veteranknitter, and was a Royal Marine and was a contestant on the first series of Game of Wool. He used his run to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Association and Reorg, a group that works with veterans, members of the military and emergency services workers who face physical and mental health issues as part of their jobs. 

Simon said he cast on as soon as he started running and tried to knit constantly until the last mile or so of the race. Because he was looking down at his knitting so much, he says he missed a lot of the landmarks you run past on the route. He said he aimed to change colors on his bulky garter stitch scarf every meter or so, and he used five colors in the project. 

He kept his yarn in a pocket at his waist and knit with straight needles in continental style.

Congratulations to Simon! Makes me feel like my marathon knitting sessions on the couch (LOL) aren’t nearly as impressive as I thought. 

[Photo via BBC]

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Selected Yarns Advertised at $2, $4 and $6

There’s a particular kind of optimism that appears when a knitter sees a yarn sale. Suddenly, the cardigan we’ve been thinking about seems entirely achievable, handmade Christmas gifts sound manageable, and there’s probably room for another project bag beside the sofa.

If that sounds familiar, the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale deserves a look. Selected yarns are advertised at up to 60% off, making this a useful opportunity to shop for planned projects, small handmade gifts and those colours missing from your stash.

The trick, of course, is remembering what you actually need before a lovely shade of green talks you into an entirely different project.

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Browse the Knit Picks Big Yarn Sale here.

What’s Included in the Knit Picks Yarn Sale?

There are two advertised yarn offers to check:

  • Up to 60% off selected yarns, ending 19 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.
  • Selected yarns advertised at $2, $4 and $6, ending 5 November 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific Time.

The $2, $4 and $6 promotion finishes sooner, so check that offer first if you’re reading this while it is still running. Prices displayed can vary with your selected shopping currency.

These promotions apply to selected products and colours, with exclusions. Check the individual listing, current terms and checkout total before ordering.

Start With Cotton for Useful Handmade Gifts

If your Christmas knitting list needs a little encouragement, cotton yarn for dishcloths is a practical place to start. Small projects are easier to fit around everyday life, and you don’t need to discreetly measure anyone’s chest before casting on.

Selected Dishie colours appear in the sale listings. Check the colour and price carefully, as a discount on one shade doesn’t mean the whole range has the same offer.

Our dishcloth knitting patterns for Christmas gifts offer plenty of inspiration for turning suitable cotton into useful presents.

Choose the pattern first, then check its yarn weight and quantity. Two or three coordinating cloths tied with ribbon can make a lovely gift without requiring a trolley full of supplies.

Look for Yarn That Suits Your Pattern

A discounted skein is only useful if it works for something you want to make.

For socks, check the pattern’s recommended yarn construction, fibre content and yardage. For a cardigan or jumper, calculate the full quantity before buying and check dye-lot information where available.

If you’re substituting yarn, matching the weight is only the starting point. Fibre, drape and your washed gauge swatch all affect the finished result.

For smaller projects that let you explore texture, our feature on the Clean and Crafty dishcloth collection is another helpful starting point. A manageable project can be a lovely way to try a stitch before committing to an entire blanket.

Shop Your Stash Before Adding to Your Basket

Before placing an order, pull out the yarn you already own. You might only need a contrasting colour or enough extra cotton to finish a gift set.

If you enjoy colourful kitchen projects, the Kitchen Kaleidoscope dishcloth collection might help you find a purpose for those existing balls.

Then compare yarn by its usable yardage, rather than the price per ball alone. Check washing instructions too, particularly for gifts. And include delivery in your budget, because postage has a habit of making its presence felt just when you think you’ve found a bargain.

Shop the current Knit Picks yarn offers here.

Choose a project you’re excited to make, keep the pattern with the yarn when it arrives, and give yourself the pleasure of a purchase with a plan. One finished gift feels rather better than another bag of yarn you’re afraid to open.