Capt. Travis Chewning-Kulick Breaks World Record for Bomb Suit Mile at Fort Cavazos

U.S. Army Capt. Travis Chewning-Kulick has made headlines by achieving a remarkable feat, establishing a new Guinness World Record for the fastest mile completed in a bomb disposal suit. On April 25 at Fort Cavazos, Texas, Chewning-Kulick achieved a remarkable feat by completing the challenging mile in 7 minutes and 4 seconds, surpassing the previous record by a significant 20 seconds.

The commander of the 752nd Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), Chewning-Kulick, has taken on the challenge to demonstrate the endurance and determination essential for EOD technicians.

A recent achievement was motivated by a challenge issued by a former platoon sergeant during a physical training session. “During the first lap, I may have started a bit too quickly due to my excitement from the crowd,” Chewning-Kulick remarked following the run. “I discovered an item that lasts 400, which I plan to bring home.”

Operating in a bomb suit presents significant challenges. The suit, which weighs approximately 50 pounds, features layers of Kevlar and armor that limit mobility. Additionally, the helmet's weight strains the neck, complicating the maintenance of proper running form. Balancing speed with the suit's bulk proved a significant obstacle for Chewning-Kulick, a dedicated runner.

In a remarkable achievement, he clocked a time of 7:04, surpassing the former record held by British Army officer Mark Gibbs, who completed a mile in 7:24 back in December 2017 at a charity event. In a remarkable achievement, U.S. Army Capt. Kaitlyn Hernandez established a new world record for women in 2021, clocking an impressive mile time of 10:23.

Although Chewning-Kulick completed the mile independently, the event was characterized by a collaborative team effort. Members of his unit assisted in equipping him, overseeing his speed, and recording official metrics—1st Sgt. Edwin Vazquez, the senior enlisted advisor, accompanied him on the run to maintain his speed. In a display of camaraderie and dedication, fellow EOD soldiers participated in a relay event, donning bomb suits as they navigated the track. This event served to honor the rigorous nature of their profession before the record attempt.

While official confirmation from Guinness can take six months, eyewitness accounts and event data indicate that Chewning-Kulick’s time has decisively broken the longstanding record.

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