Guinness World Records bans longest kiss attempt due to health risks

In 2013, Guinness World Records officially discontinued the record for the longest non-stop kiss, a decision spurred by numerous health-related incidents among participants. The banning of this record was primarily driven by reports of serious side effects observed in individuals attempting to break the previously set record. Notably, one couple, Ekkachai and Laksana Tiranarat from Thailand, had set the record in 2013 with an astonishing 58 hours and 35 minutes of kissing. Their achievement, while impressive, was overshadowed by the troubling aftermath experienced by other contenders during similar record attempts. During various challenges leading up to the record's ban, several participants encountered extreme physical distress. For example, Andrea Sarti had to be given oxygen after attempting a kiss that lasted 31 hours and 18 minutes. Additionally, one participant lost consciousness within just half an hour of starting the kiss in 2011. These alarming occurrences brought to light the potential dangers associated with such prolonged physical exertion, prompting a reconsideration of the event's structure. Following these incidents, Guinness World Records replaced the longest non-stop kiss title with a new format known as the kissing marathon. This new format allows for intermittent breaks, which significantly reduces the health risks by allowing participants to rest, hydrate, and recover. The change was aimed at mitigating severe consequences like passing out, experiencing psychological issues such as psychosis, and even risking the need for resuscitation during record attempts. Such measures were deemed necessary to protect the wellbeing of future participants. Despite the change in structure, the legacy of past attempts remains a topic of intrigue. For instance, Mark and Roberta Griswold shared their experience of kissing marathon attempts, revealing that they didn't even practice for the events. They braved the conditions with humor and improvisation, with Roberta employing unique strategies to maximize their performance duration. Their stories add a layer of human interest to what was once a world record attempt overshadowed by serious health risks. This evolution in the way Guinness World Records manages kissing records underscores the organization's responsibility toward participant safety and welfare while maintaining the spirit of competitive play.