Tim Peake has set a new record: he's managed to run a total of 26.2 miles, completing the London marathon - while on the International Space Station.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of runners got together to complete the marathon on the ground. And miles above them, Peake did the same. Instead of on the road, though, Peake ran on a treadmill in a cramped room with no windows about 200 miles above Earth.
Peake managed to complete the 26.2 miles on the International Space Station with a time of about 3:35.21. This is the fastest time for a marathon currently recorded on the International Space Station. He actually had to be anchored to the treadmill with bungee cords and carabiners that latch on to the harness he wears while running.
This isn't the first time Peake has run a marathon, though. He did the same in 1999 while on the ground. This time, though, he used the RunSocial app so that he could be looking at the route he'd be running while running "alongside" everyone else as he ran the digital version.
He's not the first ever astronaut to complete a marathon while in space, though. In 2007, Sunita Williams ran along with the Boston marathon on the treadmill on the space station.
The fastest time for the London marathon in this case was made by Eliud Kopchoge, who completed the race in just 2 hours, 3 minutes and 5 seconds, which is just 8 seconds off of the world record.
Running a marathon in space can be difficult because of the harness that has to be used. However, recovery is rather easy because, as Peake put it, his muscles completely relaxed as soon as he took off the bungee cords and harness, which was wonderful for his muscles.
What Peake misses from the real marathon is the cheering crowds and friends and family that make sure to be there on race day. The sights and the sounds associated with a marathon can help racers finish. Instead, Peake had to race on a treadmill with a harness that chaffed at his hips and shoulders. Even so, he completed the race, which would be a proud moment for any runner.
