A Royal Engineers officer from Glasgow is preparing to run the 2025 London Marathon with a 27kg fridge strapped to his back – and aims to break the world record in the process.
Major Joss Mowforth, Royal Engineers, trained for his World Record attempt carrying a fridge strapped to his back during the London Marathon, raising money for the Soldiers' Sailors' Airmens' and Families Association.
Major Joss Mowforth, 32, is hoping to beat the current fridge-carrying marathon record of 3 hours, 53 minutes and 14 seconds, while raising funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces Charity. It’s a challenge that combines his love of endurance sport with his commitment to supporting fellow service personnel.
I’ve always enjoyed putting myself through unnecessary levels of physical discomfort for fun. Thankfully in the Army that’s not just a hobby, it’s often part of the job.
Now based at Ward Barracks, Bulford Camp, Joss is responsible for planning all the deployments of 12 Armoured Brigade. But he’s no stranger to juggling high-pressure jobs and personal challenges.
“I’ve always enjoyed putting myself through unnecessary levels of physical discomfort for fun,” said Joss. “Thankfully in the Army that’s not just a hobby, it’s often part of the job.”
Originally from Milngavie, Glasgow, Joss studied Astrophysics at the University of Edinburgh before joining the Army in 2015. He first encountered military life through the University Officer Training Corps, lured in by a free meal at a freshers' fair. What began as curiosity soon turned into a career.
“I had no intention of joining the Regular Army at the time,” he said. “But I was always drawn to the practical side of things, so after university I applied to Sandhurst and never looked back.”
It’s a job where you’re constantly surrounded by people who push you to be better.
His military service has taken him around the world – from Estonia to Brunei, France to Oman – but it’s the people, not the places, that have made the biggest impact.
“It’s a job where you’re constantly surrounded by people who push you to be better,” he said.
His latest challenge was inspired by Royal Marine Corporal Sam Hammond, who set the first fridge marathon record in 2023.
“I saw what Sam did and thought I could give him a run for his money,” said Joss.
Then, while training for the marathon, a Finnish runner beat the world record by almost an hour. Undeterred, Joss increased the intensity of his training schedule to focus on beating the new benchmark.
This might be my first world record attempt, but it won’t be the last. Unless I get overtaken by someone carrying a dishwasher.
Training involves running five times a week, fridge on back, alongside his daily Army fitness sessions and other duties.
“Responses from the public on Salisbury Plain vary,” Joss laughed. “Some try to pretend it’s normal. Others just ask: ‘Is that heavy?’ Yes. ‘Why are you doing it?’ Unclear. ‘Are you okay?’ Debatable.”
Joss hopes to raise £2,500 for SSAFA. The charity, founded in 1885, provides lifelong support to service personnel, veterans and their families.
Whether or not he breaks the record, Joss is determined to keep pushing boundaries.
“This might be my first world record attempt, but it won’t be the last. Unless I get overtaken by someone carrying a dishwasher.”