A UNAIDS staff member has broken the record for Murphs completed over a 24-hour period. Peter Koopmans, who has been working for UNAIDS for 10 years, began the record attempt on World AIDS Day, 1 December, to raise money for a South African charity working to support sexually abused children and to increase awareness around HIV in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

Mr Koopmans completed 15 Murphs just ahead of the 24-hour deadline after a gruelling ordeal that in total saw him run 30 miles (48 km) and do 1500 pull-ups, 3000 push-ups and 4500 squats. Each of the 15 Murphs consisted of running for one mile (1.6 km) and doing 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups and 300 squats, followed by a further one-mile run—all while wearing a 10 kg vest.

“I have always wanted to try this challenge, and this allows me to have a direct impact on the lives of others,” said Mr Koopmans, who has been training for the record attempt for the past eight months.

The record attempt took place at UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva, with staff on hand throughout the night to encourage Mr Koopmans in his efforts.

Mr Koopmans has so far raised US$ 21 000 for the South African charity Bobbi Bear, which was supplemented by funds from UNAIDS World AIDS Day fundraising activities, bringing the total to well over US$ 25 000. Donations can continue to be made on the special funding page Murph for Bobbi Bear until 4 December.