Stilt Walking Guinness World Record

At the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre on Saturday, October 21, 2023, Doug “The Great” Hunt made history as he set a new Guinness World Record for Tallest Stilts every mastered. Doug took 14 unassisted steps on stilts measuring 55 feet! He successfully reclaimed the record that he first earned over 20 years ago.

The stilts used on October 21, 2023 were made of carbon fibre and weighed 140 pounds combined (70 pounds each). Three cranes were needed. Two cranes were parked side by side, that were extended about 60 feet in the air, with two safety cables between them and a third crane with an aerial lift was situated in the middle to offer a platform for Doug’s safety and those assisting.

It took six people to move the stilts in place. They were affixed with boots for Dave to step into at the top. Throughout the attempt, Doug was able to hold onto the taut cables for support or lean over to the platform as needed. It was only 12 degrees, with strong winds that day.

#InspiringGreatness, Doug Hunt achieved this feat through hard work, perseverance, and determination. Doug, his team, and supporters raised funds for Participation Support Services who helps to provide support to adults with physical disabilities and complex needs live independently.

Doug “The Great” Hunt's bio

On October 21, 2023, Doug set a new Guinness World Record for Tallest Stilts ever Mastered. He took 14 independent steps on stilts measuring 55 feet tall. This took place at the 10th Anniversary of the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre. Doug and his team raised over $28,000.00 in support of Participation Support Services. Doug’s stilt achievement photo and details are featured in the 2025 Guinness Book of World Records.

On May 15, 2008, Doug led 625 people (mostly students) on stilts at North Park Collegiate for the Guinness World Record for most people on stilts.

On September 14, 2002, Doug set a Guinness World Record at the opening of the Brantford Tourism Centre, for Tallest and Heaviest Stilts ever Mastered. Doug was able to take 29 independent steps on Stilts measuring 50 feet, 9” inches, and weighing a collective 137 pounds. Doug’s photos and achievement were featured in the 2012 Guinness Book of World Records.

On September 23, 1998, Doug set a Guinness World Record in Brantford, for Tallest and Heaviest Stilts ever mastered. Doug was able to take 56 forward steps on stilts measuring 50 feet, 5 inches in height and weighed a collective 126 pounds.

Doug received the Queen’s Jubilee Medals in 2002, 2012 and 2022. The Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal was created in 2002 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ascension of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to the throne. The Medal is awarded to Canadians who made outstanding and exemplary contributions to their communities or to Canada as a whole.

Doug’s recognition and appreciation awards include:

• 2014 Brantford Kiwanis Walter Zeller Fellowship Award
• 2017 Canada and Ontario150 Coin
• 2018 Brant Community Foundation “Kindness Award”
• 2019 Brantford Freedom House (Kindness Project) Kindness Award
• 2022 Brant Community Foundation 5 Year Volunteer Service Award
• 2023 Brantford Sports Council Community Ambassador Award
• Doug was also nominated Brantford’s Citizen of the year in 1996, 1999, and 2002.
• Brantford Jaycees, Brant Chapter of the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Ontario Cerebral Palsy Sports Association have all recognized Doug’s volunteer work

As a child, Doug’s interest in magic juggling and the performing arts was encouraged by his parents to help him overcome his shyness. It must have worked!

Support team

To achieve this amazing record Doug had the help of many people, groups and organizations within the community.

• Dave Levac, Team Manager/Leader
• Randy Papple, Team Logistics and Communications Manager

 Stilt Walking Guinness World Record photo gallery