Louisville runner Kelly Flowers, 70, targets world record attempt with 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days

A 70-year-old runner from Louisville, Kelly Flowers, is preparing for a world record attempt that would require him to complete seven marathons on seven continents within a seven-day span, according to a report from WAVE.

The attempt is described as part of an endurance push that follows Flowers’ long-term interest in running and seeks to translate that personal goal into a message aimed at others, including people who may feel discouraged by age or other limitations, the report said.

Flowers’ journey, as outlined by WAVE, is intended to demonstrate what he views as the practical ability to take on a difficult challenge, regardless of when in life the effort begins, tying the record attempt to a broader community message rather than a competitive exercise alone.

The WAVE report identified Flowers as the Kentucky runner at the center of the effort and framed the plan around the logistics of moving between continents quickly enough to stack seven separate marathon distances into one week.

While the report centers on Flowers’ goal and motivations, it also underscores how unusual the undertaking is for a runner of his age, particularly given the condensed schedule implied by “seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.”

Local attention on the attempt has come as Louisville residents and observers follow the preparation for a run that, if completed as planned, would require sustained performance and recovery across multiple marathon events in rapid succession.

Flowers’ stated purpose, as described by WAVE, is to encourage others to pursue challenges of their own, and the attempt is expected to draw attention in the community during the period leading up to and including the seven-day run window.