18/01/2025
Guinness World Records is saddened to learn of the passing of longest ongoing pilgrimage record holder, Arthur Blessitt (USA). Arthur had roamed across all seven continents, including Antarctica, since first setting out on 25 Dec 1969. He carried a 3.7-m-tall (12-ft) wooden cross throughout his pilgrimage and as an evangelist he preached from the Bible along the way. When his record was first confirmed in 2013, Arthur had walked a distance of 40,235 miles (64,752 km), but his journey continued for many years.
"I’ve carried a 12 foot cross in every sovereign nation, major island groups and territories. I have walked with the cross of over 43,340 miles, over 86 million steps..." read a statement from Arthur on his Instagram
"These feet that walked so far on roads of dirt and tar will now be walking on the streets of gold. Ready to see Jesus again!"
