Comic attempts gag record

Comic Tobias Jug will attempt to set a new record for cracking jokes while running next month's London Marathon.

He's aiming to tell more than 700 jokes during the 26-mile race, which he is ruuning in memory of his sister, who died of cancer on Christmas Eve 2001.

Sonia McColl helped Jug - real name Chris McColl - set up Bournemouth's Jester Laugh comedy club in 1994.

The venue is still going strong, though it's moved location several times since.

Now Jug is asking for donations of cash, and jokes, to help him in his quest.

He said: "Sonia was a lovely person with a wonderful sense of humour who as well as offering support and help put up the money to help start Jester Laugh

"She helped produce leaflets and posters and often drove the acts to and from London to Bournemouth

"I'm not sure what the record for telling jokes during a marathon is, but I think it's around 500 and held by someone in Australia.

"Two jokes a minute over six hours is 720, which is going some considering I'll have to run 26 miles, too. Hopefully , I'll get some well-known comics to back me.

"We will be looking to collect all the jokes, messages and pictures and publish them as a book later in the year."

All money he raised from the April 13 race will go to the Macmillan Cancer Relief charity. Jokes and cash can be donated via his website www.jesterlaugh.co.uk/jugsmarathon.asp

• Meanwhile, Australian comic Lehmo will attempt to break the record for the most jokes told in an hour at the Melbourne Comedy Festival next month.He'll take one shot at exceeding the current tally of 364 as part of his festival show, which is themed around the Guiness Book Of Records.
  

Published: 18 Mar 2003