As a borough that boasts diversity, Queens naturally brings the best of the world to its doorstep, along with trailblazers and record breakers.
On Sunday, March 30, Nat Hoty, a nonbinary actor, dancer and fitness coach from Kent, Ohio, broke the Guinness World Record (GWR) for fastest half-marathon carrying a 20 lb. vest by a transgender/nonbinary athlete at the Queens Distance Runners (QDR) half marathon event of the Queens Marathon, the premier race event of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
GWR, a global organization that celebrates record-breaking performances, was thrilled to hear about the successful attempt. This news comes at the heels of the renowned book’s 70th anniversary in September 2025. Hoty blazed through the course in 1:35:10.57, shattering the original world record of 1:41. GWR confirmed their title-holder status via email on Thursday, April 10, designating it as one of the first trans athlete division records in GWR. Hoty later shared the official verification via their social media accounts on Friday, May 2.
Hoty felt immense pride in representing trans athletes in the running world. The newly minted world record holder felt grateful for GWR’s growing efforts to recognize and promote trans people accomplishing extraordinary endeavors. “Growing up, I didn’t see trans athletes [in sports]. I saw no one who was like me doing amazing things,” Hoty shared. “It wasn’t shown on TVs where I was from — in a small town in Ohio.”
Hoty further described their positive experience speaking with GWR about the world record attempt. “They [GWR] made it very easy to talk to them about it,” Hoyt confirmed. “They [GWR] were very supportive, very helpful and very easy to work with.” Hoyt elaborated that the company is not seeking to make an opinion but rather showcase achievements from people around the world, regardless of their background. “This is a big step in the correct direction,” Hoty said.
In the verification process, Hoty submitted videos of running segments at different sections of the course, selfie videos, two witness statements, and a cover letter stating their reasons for wanting to accomplish the record. The half marathon course was also required to be an annual event, active for over a year and certified by the United States of America Track and Field Association (USATF).
“They [the race event] had to have an electric chip for timing purposes,” Hoty explained. “It had to have a clear ‘three, two, one, GO!’ or any sort of countdown. And then I needed a video of me crossing the finish line and starting the race in the vest.”
As an adventurous achiever, Hoty sought to earn a distinctive record within the fitness realm. The athlete leveraged their physique to set a cardio-based world record. Hoty later submitted a request to GWR in February 2024 and waited until September 2024 to receive confirmation of their attempt. After being greenlit, Hoty had to find a race where they could attempt to beat the fastest half marathon record. “It [the world record attempt] went through different race days because the race I was supposed to do wouldn’t let me wear the vest for the run,” Hoty shared.
Before registering for the Queens Marathon in the half marathon division, Hoty was admittedly unaware of the race’s existence — Hoty started living in New York City in 2022 and building their career. Following their completion of the QDR Half Marathon after switching from the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon, they appreciated the welcoming spirit of the local running community and the expansive, scenic beauty of the Flushing park.
“I’m excited that I had something to bring me out to Queens, and now, [it’s] something that I can look forward to going back to,” Hoty shared.
Hoty competes in power lifting meets and works out four to six hours weekly at Hyrox as a personal trainer. Hoyt revealed they competed in a USA Powerlifting meet the day before the half marathon. “That was the worst decision I ever made,” Hoyt recalled. Despite finishing third place in the meet, Hoyt nevertheless went on to achieve their goal.
In preparation for the world record attempt, the most challenging aspect was the long runs — all done while carrying a 30-pound vest for three months. “Those [the long runs] are usually two hours,” Hoty described. Additionally, the Ohio native maintained their heart rate at a relaxed pace, as it could not be above 138 beats per minute (bpm). “Your heart rate can’t get high, so you have to go super slow,” Hoty recalled. The Hyrox coach cherished a specific part of the training regime when they could run fast and slowly pull back.
Once the half marathon began, Hoty “took off like a rocket,” as they recalled. Their first mile was completed at a 6:57 pace and maintained a 7:11 pace for the remainder of the race. Despite increasing their heart rate to 178 bpm, Hoty felt content with sustaining their stamina and refusing to succumb to pressure. The athlete fought through the tightening of the vest around their body (and subsequent painful chafing) to cross the finish line, etching their name in the annals of GWR.
Through their self-reflection, Hoty encouraged aspiring world record holders to be present in the moment and maintain consistency. “If you [feel] down on yourself and [think], ‘It’s never going to happen,’ then it’s never going to happen,” Hoty advised.
