Army captain’s 7-minute, 4-second 1-mile run is a world record — in a bomb suit

article

Capt. Travis Chewning-Kulick nears the finish line at Fort Cavazos while wearing a 50-pound bomb suit during his record-breaking mile run, completed in 7 minutes and 4 seconds. (U.S. Army / Spc. Bowden Drake-Deese)

A 50-pound bomb suit didn’t stop Army Capt. Travis Chewning-Kulick from breaking a world record at Fort Cavazos last week—if anything, it brought him more fuel.

Surrounded by cheering Soldiers at Phantom Warrior Stadium, Chewning-Kulick completed a grueling one-mile run in 7 minutes and 4 seconds, crushing the previous Guinness World Record of 7:24.21 set in 2017. His record is now pending official verification.

The feat wasn’t just about speed—it was about sending a message: that fitness and mission readiness go hand in hand, especially in the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) community.

Who is Capt. Travis Chewning-Kulick?

The backstory:

Chewning-Kulick is the commander of the 752nd Ordnance Company (EOD) and a graduate of West Point, where he ran competitively on the marathon team. He’s no stranger to tough races, having once finished the Army Ten-Miler in just under 59 minutes.

Still, the bomb suit presented a unique challenge. "I’m an avid runner," he told Army reporters. "But knowing what it feels like to have that helmet bouncing around on your head or the giant plate in the front is probably one of the most important things."

Why the bomb suit mile matters

Why you should care:

The Army’s EOD teams face real-world threats that require peak physical conditioning—and the bomb suit isn’t just for show. It’s heavy, hot, and restrictive, making even a single mile feel like a marathon.

"It sends the message that fitness matters," said 1st Sgt. Edwin Vazquez, who ran a relay segment in the suit before pacing Chewning-Kulick’s record attempt. "If you stay at peak e this and also do an excellent EOD job."

What's next:

Chewning-Kulick’s time is now under review by Guinness World Records, a process that could take up to six months. Meanwhile, the run continues to serve as inspiration to fellow Soldiers and leaders alike.

"The Army has a standard," said Lt. Col. James Alfaro, "but you can excel beyond that—which is what we need to be ready for future wars and conflicts."