Fashion just witnessed a game-changer, led by Ololade Ayelabola, a final-year computer science student at the University of Lagos. This wasn’t your typical runway moment. Ololade set out on a record-breaking mission, walking an incredible 130.62 km which is the total distance walked in her bid to claim the Guinness World Record for the longest distance walked by a model on a catwalk.
The record is for the total distance walked on a catwalk, not the length of the runway itself. Ololade walked repeatedly on the same runway, completing 2,058 laps to reach the total distance over several days.
A 41-year-old record in her sights
Back in 1983, Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt walked 114.4 km in Ireland, setting a Guinness World Record. Fast forward to 2024, and Ololade is rewriting history with her attempt. Over 96 hours, she completed an astounding 2,058 laps at the University of Lagos indoor sports centre.
For Ololade, this journey is deeply personal. She’s not only walking to break records, but also to challenge outdated beauty standards. After being rejected by the fashion industry for not fitting its rigid mould, Ololade is now walking for every model who has ever felt sidelined. “I’m walking for the many models who have been limited by stereotypes,” she said.
Nigerian fashion takes the spotlight
Throughout her record-breaking walk, Ololade has been draped in stunning designs by Nigerian designers. From casual outfits to traditional attire, each step has been a celebration of the vibrant creativity of Nigerian fashion.
A new chapter for fashion inclusivity
As of today, Ololade has completed an impressive 130.62 km, walking 2,058 laps in her record attempt. Now, she’s awaiting confirmation from Guinness World Records to see if her walk sets a new benchmark. What started as a response to rejection has now evolved into something much bigger—a bold statement against the rigid standards of the fashion industry. Ololade is showing that when you create your own path, there’s no limit to how far you can go.
