Michigan men break Guinness record for longest pickleball marathon

Brad Haverkamp and Caleb Dang played singles pickleball for 28 consecutive hours

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Two Michigan athletes, Brad Haverkamp and Caleb Dang, have officially broken the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing singles pickleball. The pair played for 28 consecutive hours, with only a 5-minute break allowed each hour.

Why it matters

Pickleball has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with the sport growing rapidly across the United States. This record-breaking feat highlights the dedication and endurance of top pickleball players, showcasing the sport’s physical and mental demands at the highest level.

The details

Haverkamp and Dang, both residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, took on the pickleball marathon record in late November after a previous attempt to break a similar record for playing doubles pickleball fell short in 2024. The men played for 28 straight hours, with only a 5-minute break allowed each hour. “I think at a certain point, your brain just shuts off and you’re on autopilot,” Dang said.

  • Haverkamp and Dang attempted the record in late November 2025.
  • The pair’s record-breaking 28-hour pickleball marathon took place over several days in late November 2025.
  • Guinness World Records officially confirmed and accepted the evidence from Haverkamp and Dang’s record attempt in early 2026.

The players

Brad Haverkamp

A resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who teamed up with Caleb Dang to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing singles pickleball.

Caleb Dang

A resident of Grand Rapids, Michigan, who teamed up with Brad Haverkamp to break the Guinness World Record for the longest marathon playing singles pickleball.

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What they’re saying

““I think at a certain point, your brain just shuts off and you’re on autopilot. I might as well have blacked out for the middle 20 hours.””

— Caleb Dang (WZZM-TV)

The takeaway

This record-breaking pickleball marathon showcases the incredible dedication and endurance of top players in the rapidly growing sport. It highlights the physical and mental demands of pickleball at the highest levels and the lengths athletes will go to in pursuit of Guinness World Records.