Record breaking Katie Poole, Sinead McCready and Donna Elcock get in a spin

Mayoress Councillor Cecile Biant, Sinead McCready, Katie Poole, Donna Elcock and the Mayor Councillor Surinder Biant

Katie Poole, Sinead McCready and Donna Elcock, three fast moving fitness instructors from Rochdale, have spun themselves into the Guinness Book of World Records, after breaking the female world record for running the fastest mile while hula hooping.

Katie, Sinead and Donna made the record breaking attempt last October, but this month discovered their hard work had been worth it after receiving official confirmation that they had all beaten the existing 20 minute world record.

Sinead completed the mile in 14 minutes 24 seconds, Donna in 17 minutes seven seconds and Katie in 19 minutes 14 seconds, during a gruelling afternoon in the wind and rain at Kingsway Park Sports Centre. They were urged on by spectators, observed by official verifiers and a record keeper from Guinness.

The trio, who have worked for Ladies Only Gym for the last few years and teach hula hooping sessions in local schools, were told of their good news by their manager Michelle Matthews who received an email confirming all three are now world record holders.

Last week in recognition of the girl’s achievements they were invited to toast their success at Rochdale Town Hall during afternoon tea with the Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor Surinder and Cecile Biant.

Sinead says it feels fantastic to be officially recognised, adding: “This all started out as one of those mad ideas you have but don’t think you’ll ever be able to do … however all three of us love a challenge so when we heard about the world record being around the twenty minute mark we all thought we should go for it. To be world record holders and then be invited to tea with the Mayor and Mayoress is a little but surreal but we’re all really chuffed about it and the reaction from everyone in our exercise classes has been great.”

The Mayor congratulated them on their achievement and said he was very pleased to have three new world record holders in Rochdale.

He said: “It was a wonderful achievement and it’s great to make the big book! I know hula hooping is great exercise and a very popular way to keep in shape, so hopefully Katie, Sinead and Donna can inspire more people to take it up! I also thank them all for donating their sponsorship money to the Mayor's charity.”

Not ones to sit still for long, the girls are now looking for their next challenge as they plan to raise more money for the Mayor's charity. If you have an idea for them, email:

jmichelle@ladiesonlyltd.co.uk