Epic 36-Hour Pickleball Marathon Sets World Record for Charity
What's the Score?
A remarkable feat of endurance and dedication was recently achieved in Carrollton, Texas, where a determined group of four pickleball enthusiasts, led by Geneva Olson, shattered the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing pickleball. The quartet played continuously for an astounding 36 hours at Pickler Universe, surpassing the previous record of 34 hours and 5 minutes set by a group in the UK.
Hit it deeper!
The record-breaking pickleball marathon commenced at 6:00 a.m. on April 13, 2025, and concluded at 6:00 p.m. on April 14, 2025 (U.S. Central Time), representing an unwavering commitment to both the sport and a significant charitable cause. The primary motivation behind this gruelling endeavor was not solely to etch their names in the Guinness World Records but also to raise crucial funds and awareness for Taylor’s Gift Foundation. This non-profit organization provides vital support for organ and tissue donation and mental health initiatives.
Mark Olson, Geneva’s supportive spouse, was present throughout the marathon, offering encouragement to his wife and the entire record-attempting crew. He emphasized the personal significance of Taylor’s Gift Foundation, highlighting its work in supporting families who have chosen to donate the organs of deceased loved ones, as well as its focus on the critical issues of mental health and suicide prevention, a cause deeply meaningful to Geneva.
The extraordinary effort of these four pickleball players successfully raised an impressive $18,000 for Taylor’s Gift Foundation. This translates to $36 raised for every hour of their continuous pickleball action, underscoring the tangible impact of their dedication. Colby Logan, the event producer, diligently documented the entire record-setting marathon, emphasizing its power to bring people together in pursuit of a common goal.
According to Mark, Geneva underwent rigorous training in preparation for this ambitious undertaking, driven in part by a desire to demonstrate to their four daughters that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. This personal motivation, combined with the commitment to a worthy cause, fueled their incredible feat of endurance on the pickleball court.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The 36-hour pickleball marathon in Texas is an inspiring testament to the extraordinary levels of dedication that individuals can achieve when passion and purpose align. Geneva Olson and her fellow picklers not only demonstrated remarkable physical and mental endurance by setting a new world record but also harnessed their love for the sport to make a significant positive impact on the lives of others through their fundraising efforts for Taylor’s Gift Foundation. This event beautifully illustrates the power of sport to transcend mere competition and become a vehicle for community support and charitable giving. Their achievement serves as a compelling reminder of the potential for individuals to push their limits while contributing to causes they deeply believe in.